In mid-June 2019 I managed to visit the splendid monastery of San Benedetto, also called the Sanctuary of the Sacro Speco. It is located on Mount Taleo, built “directly” in the rock of the mountain and supported by nine arches, which make its exterior architecture even more spectacular than you can imagine.
Getting there by car is very simple, and you can park in the open space in front of the entrance, and then take the driveway (with adjoining scaling). If you are fond of walking in the mountains, there is the possibility to park in one of the many “dedicated areas” (there are several monasteries in the area) and take a long walk. Once you reach the end of the avenue, you will immediately find yourself in front of the Upper Church (built in the 13th century). The interior of the monastery is built like a labyrinth, whose fulcrum always remains the Sacro Speco, the cave where St. Benedict lived as a hermit for three years “looking for light in the dark cave”.
The frescoes that decorate entirely or almost the interior date back to different eras: the first works date back to the eighth century (Byzantine era), passing through a portrait of St. Francis (1223), the paintings of Magister Consolus (XIII century) and the frescoes of the Sienese and Umbrian-Marche schools (14th and 15th centuries). The statue of San Benedetto is a work of Antonio Raggi and dates back to 1657. The “Crucifixion” is, among the frescoes, undoubtedly noteworthy: it is located in front of the entrance of the monastery and is the work of the fourteenth-century master of the Sacro Speco.
The Upper Church, supported by two irregular bays and whose apse is built entirely in the rock, is the highest part of the monastery open to visitors. This church is the last part of the monastery to be developed and, over the centuries, has undergone several changes and renovations.
The Lower Church was built between 1244 and 1276, has a rectangular plan and is divided into three bays: the first is located near the Scala Santa, the Second is on the same level as the First and at a lower level than the Third. The structure, so complicated arises from the need to “shape” the arrangement according to the shape of the rock on which the monastery rests.
The Monastery is open from Monday to Sunday throughout the year and admission to the abbey is free.
The visiting hours are:
Morning: 9.30 – 12.15
Afternoon: 15.30 – 18.15
You can take part in some guided tours with local tourist guides. If you are with a group, you should book in advance by calling the number (+39) 0774.85.039. The monastery has an official website. For more information, the site of the Benedictine monks of Subiaco (only in italian) may also be useful and interesting.