Follina
Introduction
The Santa Maria Abbey, also known as Sanavalle, is a Cistercian monastery located in the province of Treviso, now functioning as the headquarters of the Parish of Follina. Additionally, it has been granted the title of Minor Basilica.
The History of Santa Maria Abbey
The first mention of the abbey dates back to 1127 when Abbot Bernardo of Follina sold three fields to Mr. Arpone. Although the parchment was transcribed in the seventeenth century and a copy is now preserved at the Treviso Municipal Library, it shows the existence of a monastic complex before the arrival of the Cistercians. It is presumed to have been a Benedictine monastery dependent on the Church of San Fermo Maggiore in Verona, which housed the ancient statue dedicated to the Mother of Jesus.
It is not known precisely when and how the abbey passed to the Cistercian order. Some sources suggest that the Benedictines changed their rule, while others, more reliable, argue that a new community replaced the previous monks. As a result, the connection with the Veronese abbey weakened, and in 1217 Pope Honorius III resolved a dispute between the monastery of Follina and the Church of San Fermo Maggiore in Verona, guaranteeing the independence of the abbey of Santa Maria.
Traditionally, the foundation of the abbey is dated back to 1146, but historical sources do not support this claim. Even the Annales Canaldulenses state that it is impossible to determine the origin of the abbey and that in the mid-twelfth century, the Benedictine community of Follina converted to Cistercianism. It was probably Sofia di Colfosco, the wife of Guecellone II da Camino, who called the Cistercians, and in 1170, she bequeathed numerous assets to the abbey.
The Santa Maria di Follina abbey was long linked to the Chiaravalle and Cîteaux abbeys, the two important Cistercian monasteries in Italy and Europe. Over time, the abbey was enriched with additional donations and reached the height of its fame in the thirteenth century. Gabriele da Camino left his castle in Cison and the castle of Soligo in 1124, in 1229 Pope Gregory IX assigned them the Santa Maria del Piave Abbey and then the Santa Margherita Abbey in Torcello, and in 1324, the Santi Gervasio and Protasio Abbey in Belluno was added as well. The cloister was built in 1268, while the basilica was completed between 1305 and 1335.
Since 1388, the abbey fell under the control of the Serenissima of Venice. During its expansion policy, Venice came into conflict several times with the Sforza, Visconti, and the Kingdom of France, whose territories hosted the Chiaravalle and Cîteaux monasteries. In 1448, the Venetian government asked Pope Nicholas V to suppress the abbey because it feared its influence.
The Reduction to Commendatory Abbot
The abbey underwent a reduction to a commendatory abbot, and the management passed to officials belonging to the nobility and the ecclesiastical hierarchy. In 1722, Cardinal Giulio Alberoni entrusted the management of the abbey to a Capuchin convent in Follina. In 1810, the abbey properties were confiscated by French troops. Later, the abbey risked being completely abandoned and destroyed, but the Australian government declared it a national monument.
The Rebirth of Santa Maria Abbey
The restoration of Santa Maria Abbey began in 1947. In 1951, the Conventual Franciscans of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Follina established their headquarters in the former monastery, but later, the abbey was left to the diocese and became the headquarters of the Parish of Follina.
Currently, Santa Maria Abbey is open to the public and has regained much of its original splendor. It has an important cultural and religious position, and its works of art attract tourists from all over the world. Visitors can admire the facade of the cathedral, the cloister, the library, the frescoes, the bell tower, and the clock tower.
Conclusions
The history of Santa Maria Abbey is very interesting and represents an important cultural and religious heritage for the province of Treviso and the whole of Italy. Thanks to the determination of the Franciscan friars, the abbey has risen from the ashes and has been restored to its original splendor. Inside the abbey, the art and architecture of the past can be found, testifying to the important role played by the monks in the spiritual life of the community of Follina and the surrounding region.
