Hello dear friends
Today in this post that I went to create in the evening yesterday, after my usual long day at work, I would really like to talk to you about something I discovered yesterday, near the place where I was for work matters, I discovered a beautiful monastery, and in fact in today's post I want to tell you about it, because more than anything else it struck me where it was.
We are talking about the monastery of Astino, a large monastic complex that is located in the hamlet of Astino in the municipality of Bergamo, so we are in northern Italy. Yesterday, during a couple of hours of break, I took the opportunity to take a little walk in this place, I am a very curious person and so when I see something interesting I also try to find out its history, and also take some photos to share with you here.
Incidentally, I took advantage of the beautiful spring day, the temperature was great for taking a walk, and the place is very picturesque because it also has a beautiful view right over the plain.
Forgive me if the photos are not of such great quality, but I had to use my work phone to do this because mine was completely empty, but I tried to capture the most beautiful places in this monastery complex.
By the way, as usual, I tried to socialise with some people I found along the way, who told me that they come here to pray, who explained to me that this monastery houses a large library where many researchers from all over the world come to learn more about the medieval works that are preserved inside.
But also the fact that this monastery represents not only a great historical-artistic work, but also spirituality and contemplation. In fact, they explained to me that it is possible to participate in spiritual retreats, moments of prayer and meditation, thanks again to the massive presence of this community of monks who still fortunately inhabit this monastery.
By the way I forgot, for those who come to visit perhaps Bergamo in this period since it is the capital of culture together with Brescia, you can get here from the area of lower Bergamo, there are approximately I measured 5 km of path, very simple and easy to do.
Anyway, the kind lady I spoke to explained to me that this monastery was founded in the 11th century by Benedictine monks, but unfortunately I was unable to visit it inside because there were spiritual retreats going on, which was a real shame because there is a very significant 15th-century work by Tiepolo, and I would have liked to see the precious library where there are so many ancient volumes and medieval manuscripts.
It will be for next time. In the meantime, I have already made a note of this place that I will certainly return to visit, also because this lady explained to me that every now and then they organise guided tours with guides, so as to better explain the life of the monks but also the life of this important monastery.
The monastery also hosts many cultural and educational activities such as exhibitions and conferences and so allow you to deepen the issues related not only to art and history, but also nature and spirituality, and then among other things As I told you at the beginning, the monastery is located in a beautiful park in the hills of Bergamo and therefore an ideal place for nature lovers, in fact, in addition to enjoying a breathtaking view, there is also the experience of immersing yourself in nature with the paths that start from this place, but which I was not equipped to do because I was dressed for work.
I hope you have enjoyed these photos of me and this account of this monastery, I hope as usual that I have made you discover a new place that I am lucky enough to find almost by chance at times, but as I have told you in other posts I have written, the great thing about my work is that by going around I have the opportunity to come into contact with these places and discover their history.
I wish you all a good day and much happiness we'll see you next time
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)