Foligno - Abbazia di Sassovivo

The "Abbazia di Sassovivo" is located on a mountain, about 6kms east of Foligno. It 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 abbey-church was damaged by the earthquake in 1997.

In January 2016 an excavation was underway to unearth the foundations of the Romanesque apse. The "Abbazia di Sassovivo" is known for its fantastic cloister - behind this heavy door.