Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Pietro de Maria

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.

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 created (and signed!) by Pietro de Maria (and his workshop) in 1229. One of the carvers here was Nicolo Vassaletto who as well worked in "San Paolo fuori le Mura" and "San Giovanni in Laterano". The cloister has a rectangular plan with 58 arcades supported by a double order of 128 columns

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 created (and signed!) by Pietro de Maria (and his workshop) in 1229. One of the carvers here was Nicolo Vassaletto who as well worked in "San Paolo fuori le Mura" and "San Giovanni in Laterano". The cloister has a rectangular plan with 58 arcades supported by a double order of 128 columns