The Abbey of Farneta, a jewel of ancient origins and timeless simplicity, stands in the heart of the picturesque Valdichiana Aretina, a few kilometres from Cortona.
Originally founded in the 9th century A.D. thanks to the work of Benedictine monks only to pass to the Monte Olivetani Monks in the following centuries, Farneta Abbey embodies the most authentic values of faith with its sober beauty. Today, it is of particular importance for its artistic and architectural value.
Illuminated by single lancet windows, it has a single nave with a large raised transept and rear and side apses. Inside there is a fresco, signed by the famous artist Papacello, depicting the Madonna and Child between Saints Sebastian and Rocco. This invaluable work also contains a representation of the abbey itself, with a bell tower, as it appeared in the 16th century, providing valuable historical information about the importance of this place of worship. Not to be forgotten are the other two frescoes in the church by the same artist, those of Saint Lucia and Saint Peter the Martyr. The stone-made tabernacle dates from the Renaissance.
Noteworthy is also the crypt, divided into three cells and covered by ancient Romanesque vaults.
The abbey sacristy houses an Antiquarium with fossil remains of the local Pliocene and Villafranchian fauna, some small Etruscan urns and two terracotta statues dating back to the 15th century.
Farneta Abbey still retains a strong spiritual significance stemming from its long history of spreading Benedictine teachings.
Discover the beauty and spirituality of Farneta Abbey, a timeless charm place rich in history.
