What to see in Pomposa, itinerary including the main monuments and places of interest of the ancient Abbey, including the Basilica of Santa Maria, the Bell Tower and Palazzo della Ragione.
Tourist information
The origins of the Pomposa Abbey date back to the seventh century, when some Benedictine monks settled on a wooded island, called Insula Pomposiana and surrounded by the waters of the Po di Goro, Po di Volano rivers, as well as those of the sea.
From the year 1000 the period of greatest splendor began, which saw the religious place become a very active monastic center, inspired by a contemplative life marked by prayer and work, under the guidance of Abbot San Guido.
The Pomposian monastery housed within its walls some illustrious personalities of the time, including Guido d’Arezzo, the monk inventor of musical writing based on the scale of the seven notes, Dante and Pier Damiani.
What see
The abbey complex includes a series of buildings, including the Basilica, the bell tower and the Palazzo della Ragione.
The Basilica of Santa Maria, dating from the period between the seventh and twelfth centuries, and built in the Byzantine Ravenna style, has an atrium containing various sculptures and decorations.
The interior with three naves, divided by Roman and Byzantine columns, is characterized by marble inlaid mosaic floors, as well as fourteenth-century frescoes painted on the walls.
The museum housed in the Abbey preserves important finds that came to light following the excavations carried out, it also houses the refectory decorated with a cycle of frescoes, including one whose subject is the Last Supper.
The 50-meter high bell tower, in Lombard Romanesque style, dates back to 1063, while the 11th-century Palazzo della Ragione, located next to the monastery, was once the place where the courthouse was located.
