Ospital Monacale

Monastic Hospital: A tranquil and welcoming place

If you are looking for a peaceful and welcoming retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Monastic Hospital may be the perfect choice for you! Located in the province of Ferrara, this small town within the municipality of Argenta has a population of 595 inhabitants and offers the opportunity to enjoy a pleasant outdoor life surrounded by nature.

The history of Monastic Hospital

Monastic Hospital has a fascinating ancient history. The ancient town center along via Zenzalino has remains of an ancient Roman dwelling dating back to the 4th century. Furthermore, the Church of St. Bartholomew the Apostle, located in the street of the same name, dates back to the 10th century and is one of the most important monuments in the area.

But it's not just about monuments: the locals enthusiastically share stories of their daily life in the past, when the cultivation and processing of hemp was widespread. This textile fiber, used as a cheaper alternative to cotton, was processed in the fields of Monastic Hospital, where you can still find some water basins (called "maceri") used for maceration of hemp stalks.

Monastic Hospital: history, nature, and tranquility

Monuments and places of interest

If you love history and culture, you cannot miss the Church of St. Bartholomew the Apostle. This church is in Romanesque-Gothic style and dates back to the 10th century. Inside, you can admire numerous paintings and frescoes from the 15th century. Moreover, the relics of St. Liberius and St. Adrian are kept there. If you want to learn more about the history of this church, you can also visit the library inside the monastery, where numerous archive documents are kept.

But Monastic Hospital doesn't just offer historical monuments. Nature lovers can enjoy numerous walks along the Po di Primaro river, which runs through the territory of Monastic Hospital. Also, many visitors appreciate the beauty of Villa Muratori, an 18th-century villa built in neoclassical style.

For sports enthusiasts, there is a soccer field and a playground for children, where you can spend some moments of leisure and fun.

Economy

The economy of Monastic Hospital is mainly agricultural, with a strong focus on high-quality fruit cultivation, such as apples and pears. These products are highly appreciated in local and national markets. Moreover, thanks to the presence of the Po di Primaro river, sports fishing is also available.

Bibliography

For those who want to deepen their knowledge of Monastic Hospital, it could be useful to consult the book by Giorgio Galloni, entitled "Monastic Hospital: so much history, two families, one museum". This book offers an interesting reconstruction of the history of this place, from its origins to the present day.

In conclusion, Monastic Hospital represents an ideal destination for anyone looking for a peaceful place, surrounded by nature, and rich in history and culture. You can enjoy the beauty of walks along the river, visit the Church of St. Bartholomew, and admire the beauty of Villa Muratori, as well as taste the typical products of the area. In short, Monastic Hospital is a place that welcomes every visitor with utmost availability and cordiality.

Luca Bianchi
Wrote by Luca Bianchi
Updated Tuesday, Sep 20, 2022