Abbazia di Vezzolano
Romanesque-Gothic canonry of the 12th century on the hills of the Astigiano, with a terracotta façade, polychrome rood screen and frescoed cloister; free admission.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Santa Maria di Vezzolano canonry was founded at the end of the 11th century by Augustinian canons regular; the first document mentioning it dates to 17 February 1095. A legend attributes its foundation to Charlemagne. The first decades are poorly documented, but the community was active, enriched by donations and respected. Its greatest splendour came between the 12th and 13th centuries.
The church has a basilica plan with two aisles and two semicircular apses; the third aisle is partly incorporated into the square cloister on the south side, while on the north flank rises the massive bell tower. The gabled terracotta façade is articulated by three orders of blind loggias, with a central twin window (bifora) showing Christ blessing between the archangels Raphael and Michael. Inside stand out the polychrome sculptural decoration of the rood screen (jubé) and the polychrome terracotta retable of the altar.
The cloister, considered one of the best preserved in Piedmont, contains a 14th-century fresco cycle that includes the famous “Contrasto dei tre vivi e dei tre morti” (The Debate of the Three Living and the Three Dead). Today the complex is a state property managed by the Direzione regionale Musei nazionali Piemonte, and it can be visited freely, with free admission.
Highlights
- Gabled terracotta façade with three orders of blind loggias
- Rood screen (jubé) with polychrome reliefs
- Frescoed cloister with the “Contrasto dei tre vivi e dei tre morti”
- Polychrome terracotta retable on the altar
- Panoramic position over the hills of the Monferrato astigiano
Permanent exhibition
- Chiesa, chiostro e sale della canonica – Free visit to the Romanesque-Gothic church with the polychrome rood screen, the frescoed cloister and the rooms of the complex.
- Operated by
- Direzione regionale Musei nazionali Piemonte (Ministero della Cultura)
- Visitors per year
- approx. 46,252
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Access for people with mobility disabilities is possible only in part and with assistance.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bus from Chieri (timetables on the Vigobus website). Nearest airport: Torino Caselle.
By car
Free parking
Free car parking on level ground nearby.
By car: A21 motorway, exit Asti Ovest; or A4, exit Chivasso Est, then towards Verolengo, San Sebastiano, Casalborgone and Albugnano.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop: not available
- Coat check: not available
No bookshop or cloakroom is available.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Audio guide | no |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Free visit. For groups, booking is recommended for up to 15 people and compulsory above that, by 12:00 on the preceding Friday, via WhatsApp at +39 333 136 5812, the online form or infopoint@turismoincollina.it (Associazione InCollina). For masses and other requests: drm-pie.vezzolano@cultura.gov.it. |
