Foligno - Abbazia di Sassovivo

The "Abbazia di Sassovivo" is located on a mountain, about 6kms east of Foligno. The abbey was founded around 1070 on a site probably used already by the Umbri as sanctuary.

The abbey gained power and prestige. In the 13th century it "controlled" 97 convents, 41 churches (even 1 in Rome) and 7 hospitals. Decline started in the 15th century. The abbey suffered during the Napoleonic Wars, and in 1860, after the fall of the Papal States, its properties were divided between the Italian state, the local bishopric and privates.

Since 1979 the Community of the "Little Brothers of Jesus" live here.

The "Abbazia di Sassovivo" is known for its fantastic cloister with 58 arcades supported by a double order of 128 columns. It was created and signed by Pietro de Maria in 1229.

This inscription is Pietro de Maria´s "signature"

Hoc claustri opus egregium, | Quod decorat monasterium | Donnus
abbas Angelus precepit \ Multo sumptu fieri et fecit \ A magistro Petro
de Maria | Romano opere et mastria \ Anno Domini milleno \ Iuncto ei
bis centeno | Nono quoque cum viceno.

The wonderful and expensive cloister was commissioned by Abbas Angelos and created by Master Petro de Maria in Roman style (?) in 1229

The cloisters of "San Paolo fuori le Mura" and "San Giovanni in Laterano", where Nicolo Vassaletto, Petro de Maria´s collegue had worked are very similar. Some scholars believe, that the complete cloister seen here was produced in Rome - and the transported to this secluded abbey.