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Abbey of Santa Maria della Neve

Coordinates: 44°39′27″N 10°17′24″E / 44.6576°N 10.2900°E / 44.6576; 10.2900
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Abbey of St Mary of the Snows (Badia di Santa Maria della Neve) is a Benedictine Monastery and church, located in a rural spot on Via Badia #28 in the frazione of Torrechiara and its castle, in the town limits of Langhirano, Province of Parma, Italy. The monastery is affiliated with the monastery of San Giovanni Evangelista, Parma.

History

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The construction of the initial abbey was commissioned circa 1471 by Count Pier Maria II De’ Rossi at the site of a medieval oratory or small church to house a Benedictine congregation derived from the Abbey of Santa Giustina. The Romanesque-style church with a single nave and attached bell-tower was dedicated to Sancta Maria ad Nives, a common Marian devotion. The facade faces east. The sacristy and church still retain frescoes.

The abbey was shuttered during the Napoleonic occupation, and requisitioned as a barracks. In 1899, it was returned to the Benedictines. The abbey staffed by nuns and oblates offers housing for retreats and a guesthouse for single visitors. Reservations can be made for lunch at the refectory. The abbey has a store that sells honey and products of the orchard.[1] [2] [3]

References

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44°39′27″N 10°17′24″E / 44.6576°N 10.2900°E / 44.6576; 10.2900