COMPLESSO ABBAZIALE DI SAN PIETRO

The Abbey Complex of San Pietro stands on a block that was most likely one of the first settlements in the town, and its origin in Roman times seems to be confirmed by the discovery of a tombstone from the 1st century A.D. that can be traced back to the remains of a temple dedicated to Diana.

Around the year 1000, the church became a Benedictine monastery and acquired considerable prestige, thanks also to substantial donations from Savigliano nobility. In the 15th century it even became the seat of the Royal Savoy University, bearing full witness to the period of cultural splendour experienced by the town.

The current Mannerist appearance is the result of massive renovation work begun in 1599 by the architect Ercole Negri Sanfront, followed by numerous interventions including the completion of the graceful cloister in 1621 and the construction of the bell tower between 1722 and 1726 by Francesco Gallo (replacing the previous one dating back to 1329). Many artists also embellished the abbey complex with paintings and frescoes.

The current façade was completed in 1822, the year in which an important Roman tombstone was found, revealing its presumed ancient origins. The interior of the church contains valuable paintings and sculptures, as well as important frescoes and a valuable altarpiece.

 

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