Vallombrosa Abbey

Vallombrosa is a Benedictine abbey in the "comune" of Reggello (Tuscany, Italy), c. 30 km south-east of Florence, in the Apennines, surrounded by forests of beech and firs. It was founded by Giovanni Gualberto, a Florentine noble, in 1038 and became the mother house of the Vallumbrosan Order. It was extended around 1450, reaching its current aspect at the end of the 15th century. In 1529, after the looting of Charles V, the east tower was built, in the 17th century followed the wall and in the 18th century the fishing ponds. Today, the monastery is open for tourists and is selling local produce.

On the 7th October 1096, Pope Urban II addressed the congregation of Vallombrosa, imploring the religious amongst them to support the cause for a crusade to the Holy Land. In particular in this sermon, he cited the need for knights, who could "restore the Christians to their former freedom"¹

References

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¹see Riley-Smith, L&J: The Crusades: Idea and Reality (Edward Arnold Pub. Ltd, London, 1981)p39

External links

* [http://www.tuscany-charming.it/en/route/monasteryofvallombrosa.asp History]
* [http://italianfood.about.com/library/weekly/aa112597.htm Pictures and description]
* [http://www.badia-a-passignano.com/vallombrosans_en.htm History of Vallombrosa]