Located in the heart of one of the most picturesque villages in the Marca Trevigiana, the’Abbey of Santa Maria di Follina is a masterpiece of sacred architecture that bears witness to centuries of religious and cultural history. This monastic complex, a destination for pilgrims and art enthusiasts, represents a fundamental reference point for understanding the spiritual and productive evolution of the Treviso area.

The Historical Roots: From the Benedictines to the Cistercians

The history of the Abbey is an interweaving of faith and human ingenuity rooted in the Middle Ages:

• The Origins: Although the earliest traces date back to a Benedictine community before the 12th century, the artistic and spiritual flowering came with the settlement of monks Cistercians in 1146.
• The Impact on the Territory: The monks were not only spiritual guides, but brought crucial technological innovations, such as the processing of wool using the waters of local streams, transforming Follina into a manufacturing hub of excellence.
• The Architecture of Silence: The present basilica and cloister, completed in the 13th century, follow the strict Cistercian canons of simplicity and elegance, aimed at encouraging contemplation and asceticism.

The Winter Experience: Refuge, Art and Contemplation

Winter is, par excellence, the season that best suits a visit to the Abbey. The decline of mass tourism and the natural silence of the fog-shrouded hills restore the place to its original atmosphere of monastic peace.

1. The Cloister: An Indoor Masterpiece

The jewel of the Abbey is undoubtedly its cloister, which is perfectly usable even on cold or rainy days.

• Varieties of Columns: The arches are supported by twin, twisted columns or decorated with unique motifs, which create an extremely suggestive play of light and shadow in the grazing winter light.
• Weather protection: The covered perimeter path allows visitors to admire the outdoor architecture and the central garden while being sheltered from rain or snow, making it the “indoor” cultural activity par excellence in the area.

2. The Basilica and the Ancona Lignea

The interior of the basilica offers a solemn ambience to be warmed by the beauty of the works of art:

• 14th-century frescoes: The walls retain traces of medieval decorations that the winter gloom makes even more mysterious.
• The High Altar: The 15th-century wooden altarpiece is a masterful example of late-Gothic sculpture, shining even in the short winter days.

3. Cultural Trekking among Villages

For those who love to walk, winter allows you to walk the paths that connect Follina to the nearby villages with crystal-clear visibility.

• Slow Paths: Walks between Miane and Follina in winter allow one to observe the details of rural stone architecture, often hidden by summer vegetation.
• Borgo Atmosphere: The historic streets of the village of Follina, animated by small artisans, offer regenerating stops amidst the autumn and winter colours of the Pre-Alps.

What to do at Follina Abbey in winter?
Follina Abbey is the ideal destination for a cultural visit in winter or on rainy days, thanks to its covered cloister and monumental basilica. You can admire the 13th-century Cistercian architecture, with its famous carved columns, and enjoy the utmost spiritual tranquillity away from the summer crowds. The visit can be combined with slow trekking among the historic villages of the UNESCO territory.