Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo

Perched high on the right bank of the Meta stream, the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo di Lamoli preserves intact the austere and intimate atmosphere of Benedictine buildings, perfectly summarized by the famous Rule “Pray and Work”.

An unmissable destination, easy to reach, an ideal place for a few minutes or a few hours of spiritual meditation and relaxation. Entering the church you immediately notice the typically Romanesque three-nave structure, hidden by a semi-darkness that produces that suggestive sensation of having entered something larger than the human dimension. The light penetrates through the central rose window and the small single-lancet windows at the top, and concentrating entirely in the large apse gives life to suggestive plays of shadows behind the raised altar.

A visit to the crypt is a must, where there are some sculptural fragments dating back to the 6th century. Built on commission by the Benedictines probably starting from the 9th century, the church houses numerous works, frescoes of the Umbrian school from the end of the 15th century, a wooden Crucifix attributed to the school of Brunelleschi, a lunette by Raffaellino del Colle.

The structure, recently expanded, is connected to the Museum of Natural Colours, with its splendid garden from which it is possible to observe the bell gable of the church. Outside, the Abbey overlooks an extremely orderly Apennine panorama and it is as if the building had always been part of that nature that is omnipresent in these places.

For lovers of walking and views, continuing on Via Pianello, which is located below the garden of the restaurant in a north-east direction, it is possible to access a series of unmarked paths and roads (but easy to follow), from which you can enjoy a splendid view of the valley. The Abbey of Lamoli is the subject of the FAI campaign “Places of the heart”, in which you can participate with a simple vote, giving a small contribution to its renovation and maintenance.