Abbey Peony
   Photo: Abbey Peony

Abbey Peony - an architectural complex located on the shores of Lake Como in the town of colic and is considered one of the most beautiful in Northern Italy. Abbey harmoniously inscribed in the amazing beauty of the landscape - it stands on top of a tiny Cape Oldzhaska, which juts out into the lake, forming a small bay. Cove itself only adds charm to the whole area, which is its quietness and pristine reminiscent of the past, of a time when there prayed and meditated.

Church of St. Justin - the central architectural element of the Abbey - was built in the early Middle Ages, and in the next century "overgrown" with its own Priory monastic complex, which was part of the politico-religious network established by the Congregation of Cluny. Despite the fact that the abbey was located outside the town of Colico, it is, however, were on the tracks that had great importance in the years when wars were fought constantly.

Today, the abbey Peony is considered one of the most romantic landmarks Lombardy. The church is decorated with a huge window lintel, and inside consists of a single aisle. At the entrance you can see the figures of two lions in marble fountain. Special attention is given a series of paintings of the 13th century, located in the apse in the center is the figure of Christ with open book surrounded by symbols of the four Evangelists, and under it - the twelve apostles.

Behind the visible ruins of a medieval church apse, the purpose of which is still unknown. The bell tower next to the north side, was built in the 18th century. A covered gallery, which can be accessed through the portal with pointed arches, dates back to the 13th century. This cloister produces special impression on the perimeter of the patio set forty-four marble columns, capitals are gracefully decorated with images of leaves, flowers and animals. The columns supporting the upper floor with terracotta archivolt and elegant windows.

At the entrance to the cloister is a fresco of the 15th or 16th century with the image of Christ Appearing to Mary, and above the entrance you can see a bust of Christ. On the porch, behind the church is a fresco calendar made in a simple and fairly common style. In the upper part shows the months of the year due to agricultural activities, such as July - is grinding wheat. And in the bottom of the depicted saints and their eleven velikomuchenicheskie feats. This mural calendar was made even before the construction of the cloister and was initially outside the church.

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Abbey Peony
Lecco
Villa d'Este
Dongo
Laglio