Abbey of Nonantola
Abbazia di Nonantola
A Benedictine abbey founded in the 8th century, with finely carved Romanesque church portals and an underground crypt with more than sixty columns. It is one of the oldest abbeys in Emilia.
The Abbey of Nonantola was founded in 752 by a relative of the Lombard king and was one of the most powerful abbeys in northern Italy during the Middle Ages. The surviving Romanesque Church of San Silvestro dates from the 12th century, and its main portal has reliefs by Wiligelmo’s school. The underground crypt is supported by 64 stone columns, each with a different capital. The diocesan museum next door holds medieval manuscripts and relics. It is about 11 km northeast of Modena, and suburban buses serve the area.
Opening hours
Church open daily; museum mainly open on weekends (check official website)
Nearby sights
- Pagani Museum & Factory
- Maserati Showroom & Factory, Modena
- Enzo Ferrari Museum, Modena
- Teatro Comunale Luciano Pavarotti
- Ducal Palace of Modena
- Ghirlandina Tower
- Palazzo Comunale, Modena
- Modena Cathedral & Piazza Grande