Abbazia della SS. Trinità di Monte Sacro

beautiful track through the forest, very interresting ruine

Super

An archaeological treasure hidden by the vegetation of the forest! You don't see it until you almost bump into it. The path to climb to the ruins of the Abbey, which starts near the Agriturismo Monte Sacro, takes about an hour and is well signposted, has no excessive slopes and for the most part proceeds under the vegetation of the wood it passes through, also protected from the sun. For this reason it is possible to face it at any time of the day, even with children. Unfortunately the ruins are abandoned, apart from a sign that tells the story. We were lucky and met some very kind people who gave us a very detailed plan of the ruins and we were therefore able to fully appreciate the structures of the Abbey. With the plan, which we gladly share in the photos (to be printed on A3 sheet to be legible), you can easily orient yourself and all the rooms are perfectly recognizable: the aisles of the Basilica, the cloister, the kitchen, the library, the latrines etc. . Just from the hole in the outer wall of the latrines, paying EXTREME ATTENTION since you find yourself at a considerable height, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Umbra Forest and you can glimpse the remote radar base of the Air Force that is based there. The sensations you feel are magical, touching stones planted 1000 years ago is priceless and makes you reflect on the passage of time. A visit not to be missed, with an easy and pleasant excursion, where even the journey by car to reach the departure offers unique views of the Gargano, the Gulf of Mattinata and its plains covered with olive trees. Don't forget water and chocolate so you don't run out of energy ;-)

The Abbey of the Holy Trinity stands on Monte Sacro, a mountain that has been a place of worship and pilgrimage destination for centuries, since ancient times, when it housed a sanctuary dedicated to Jupiter. It can only be reached on foot. The climb is not long but the final tear is breathtaking. And when we are in front of her, the bewilderment overlaps the amazement. The ancient walls sink into the woods. The fallen stones fall prey to the intrusive stain. The fragments of frescoes and the sculpted capitals heroically resist the siege of the bush. A tragedy of many centuries ago. An earthquake shook these architectures and shattered the centuries-old efforts of spiritual men who had built a monastic citadel, a space for prayer and work inspired by the ora et labora According to local tradition, it was the apparition of the Archangel Michael in San Lorenzo Maiorano, bishop of Siponto, in 490 to transform Monte Sacro from a pagan place of worship to a place of Christian worship.

Extremely interesting archaeological site but left to itself. Breathtaking landscapes