Discovering Praglia Abbey: A Quick Guide for Casa Luna Guests

Praglia Abbey: A Quick Guide for Casa Luna Guests

Staying at Casa Luna in Montegrotto Terme offers the privilege of being just minutes away from one of the most evocative and spiritual sites in the Veneto region: the Abbey of Santa Maria Assunta di Praglia. Situated at the foot of Mount Lonzina, this Benedictine oasis blends a thousand years of history with untouched nature.

Here are the essential points for your visit:

1. History and Architecture in a Nutshell

• Ancient Origins: Founded in 1107, the abbey is a masterpiece blending late-Gothic style with the Venetian Renaissance.

• The Bell Tower: The only surviving element of the original medieval core (13th century).

• The Basilica: Elevated to a minor basilica in 1954, it houses splendid frescoes by Giovanni Battista Zelotti and a wooden crucifix from the Giotto school.

2. The Four Cloisters: The Heart of the Monastery

The complex is organized around four unique cloisters:

• Botanical Cloister: The entrance to the monastery, once dedicated to growing medicinal herbs.

• Hanging Cloister (Chiostro Pensile): Famous for its elevated position and the "Loggia del Fogazzaro," offering breathtaking views of the Euganean Hills without a trace of modernity.

• Rustic Cloister: Once the center of agricultural activities, it now houses the reception and tourist area.

• Double Cloister: Reserved for the cloistered community, it is a place of absolute silence where the monks' cells are located.

3. World Excellence: Restoration and Knowledge

• The Book Laboratory: Founded in 1951, it is a world-class center. The monks of Praglia are famous for saving over 2,000 precious volumes after the 1966 Florence flood.

• Monumental Library: A national monument housing over 100,000 volumes, featuring a ceiling decorated with canvases by Zelotti.

4. Monastic Products: What to Take Home

The Abbey shop is a must-stop for purchasing natural products made by the monks:

• Volcanic Wines: Classic Method sparkling wines (such as Capitulum LVI) and structured reds produced directly from the surrounding vineyards.

• Herbalism and Cosmetics: The "Apis Euganea" line, featuring calendula creams, scented waters, and herbal teas (the Bona Somnia is excellent for relaxation).

• Organic Honey: Acacia, chestnut, and linden varieties, as well as premium balsamic honey.

5. Practical Info for Your Stay (2026)

• Distance from Casa Luna: Casa Luna is strategically located near the "Terme Euganee" train station; the Abbey is easily reachable in a few minutes by car or via a pleasant bike ride.

• Visiting Hours: Guided tours (led by a monk) usually take place in the afternoon: 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM in summer; 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM in winter. On Saturdays also at 11:00 AM.

• Spiritual Experience: For a moment of deep peace, we recommend attending Sunday Mass (11:00 AM) or Vespers (6:00 PM) with Gregorian chants.

• Note for January 2026: Tourist visits will be suspended from January 22nd to 26th for the community's spiritual exercises.

Web site: https://praglia.it/

Read our Pillar Article: [The Charm of Euganean History and Culture: Venetian Villas and Villages]

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