Abbazia di Follina - Image 1
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Follina Abbey

4.8
·1k reviews·Follina, Italy

A thousand-year-old Cistercian abbey in Veneto, renowned for its Romanesque cloister, Gothic basilica, and serene beauty.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Quiet and peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Abbazia di Follina - Image 1

Follina Abbey

Best Time

Early mornings

Quiet and peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A thousand-year-old Cistercian abbey in Veneto, renowned for its Romanesque cloister, Gothic basilica, and serene beauty.

4.8
(1k reviews)

"A hidden gem in Veneto, offering a serene atmosphere that combines deep spirituality with extraordinary beauty."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Entry! 🎉

Entry to the abbey is free and it's open to the public. Enjoy this historical gem without an admission fee!

Seek the Orange Cat 🐈

Keep an eye out for the abbey's resident orange cat – a charming local celebrity!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Enchanting Romanesque Cloister

Enchanting Romanesque Cloister

Southern wall of the abbey

A world of slender columns and uniquely carved capitals, featuring leaves, faces, beasts, and symbols.

Madonna di Follina

Madonna di Follina

Basilica

The beloved image of the Madonna, venerated since the Middle Ages, rests within the basilica's stone embrace.

Cistercian Gothic Basilica

Cistercian Gothic Basilica

Main church

A masterpiece of austere, harmonious Cistercian Gothic architecture, bathed in a soft, mystical light.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Serenity

Follina Abbey is a place of deep spirituality and architectural beauty. Arrive early to experience its quiet atmosphere and witness the sunlight create stunning symmetry in the cloister. Parking is generally easy, making it a stress-free stop.

A Thousand Years of History

Founded before the year 1000, this Cistercian abbey is a testament to centuries of devotion. Explore the 13th-century basilica, the Romanesque bell tower, and the enchanting cloister with its unique capitals.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Quiet and peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Sunlight creates amazing effects
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Free Entry! 🎉

Entry to the abbey is free and it's open to the public. Enjoy this historical gem without an admission fee! Reddit

Seek the Orange Cat 🐈

Keep an eye out for the abbey's resident orange cat – a charming local celebrity! Reddit

Cloister Symmetry Magic ✨

When sunlight hits the cloister, the symmetry of the columns creates a truly amazing effect. Reddit

Cool Interior on Hot Days ❄️

The abbey's stone walls keep it refreshingly cool inside, even on the hottest days. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Entry! 🎉

Entry to the abbey is free and it's open to the public. Enjoy this historical gem without an admission fee! Reddit

Seek the Orange Cat 🐈

Keep an eye out for the abbey's resident orange cat – a charming local celebrity! Reddit

Cloister Symmetry Magic ✨

When sunlight hits the cloister, the symmetry of the columns creates a truly amazing effect. Reddit

Cool Interior on Hot Days ❄️

The abbey's stone walls keep it refreshingly cool inside, even on the hottest days. Reddit

Nearby Dining Options 🍽️

Plenty of restaurants are nearby for a delicious lunch or dinner after your visit. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Follina Abbey is widely praised as a hidden gem, lauded for its stunning architecture, particularly the Romanesque cloister and Cistercian Gothic basilica. Visitors appreciate the free entry, serene atmosphere, and the unique charm of the village. Some note that while the abbey is beautiful, it's a relatively quick visit.

"Try to find the orange cat!!! Entry to the abbey is free and it’s open to the public. Parking is easy. The architecture is on par with the Alhambra. Very romantic. Beautiful candy-like colours adorn the chapel. Nestled in the quiet village of Follina, this abbey has been a sanctuary of prayer and beauty for nearly a thousand years. Founded before the year 1000 by Benedictine monks and entrusted to the Cistercians in 1146, it blossomed into one of the most important monastic centers in northern Italy. Generous donations, such as that from noblewoman Sofia del Camino in 1170, allowed it to grow into a full-fledged monastery with cloisters, farmland, and refined architectural works. The current basilica, begun in the 13th century under the hand of master builder Gualtiero da Lodi, is a masterpiece of Cistercian Gothic purity; austere, harmonious, and imbued with a soft, mystical light. Within its stone embrace rests the beloved image of the Madonna di Follina, venerated since the Middle Ages. Beside it rises the graceful Lombard-style bell tower, and tucked away along the southern wall is the enchanting Romanesque cloister — a world of slender columns, each crowned with a uniquely carved capital, some with leaves and flowers, others with faces, beasts, and symbols. Through centuries of devotion, suppression, neglect, and restoration, the Abbey of Santa Maria di Follina has remained what it was always meant to be: a place of silence, beauty, and a quiet dialogue between heaven and earth. Worth a detour."

Sven

"The “Abbazia cistercense di Santa Maria di Follina” is one of the most interesting works of architecture in the region. When the sun light penetrates the patio, the symmetry of the columns creates a truly amazing effect. I recommend going early morning, when is quiet and peaceful."

Flavio Pimentel

"A hidden gem in Veneto and absolutely worth a visit. The Abbey of Santa Maria in Follina offers a serene atmosphere that combines deep spirituality with extraordinary beauty. The 13th-century cloister with its unique columns and capitals is a masterpiece you should not miss.

Inside the church, the 16th-century fresco of the Madonna with Child and Saints, the baroque wooden crucifix, and above all the Madonna del Sacro Calice create a powerful impression. The Romanesque bell tower and the harmonious proportions of the abbey complete the experience.

Surrounded by the rolling hills of the Prosecco region, this abbey is not only a place of prayer but also a cultural treasure that leaves a lasting memory."

Conrad Pramböck

What People Like

Beautiful architecture
Serene atmosphere
Free entry

What People Dislike

Can be a quick visit

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Follina Abbey is located in the quiet village of Follina, nestled in the Veneto region. While public transport options might be limited, driving is a common and convenient way to reach it. Parking is generally easy to find near the abbey. Reddit

Information on direct public transport to Follina Abbey can be scarce. It's recommended to check local bus schedules or consider a combination of train to a nearby town and then a taxi or local bus. Renting a car offers the most flexibility. Reddit

From Venice, you can take a train to Conegliano or Treviso, and then arrange for a taxi or local bus service to Follina. Driving directly from Venice is also an option, taking approximately 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic. Reddit

Parking is generally straightforward near Follina Abbey. Look for designated parking areas in the village of Follina. Visitors have noted that parking is usually easy to find. Reddit+1

Absolutely! Follina Abbey is described as 'worth a detour' and a 'hidden gem,' making it an excellent and easy stop on a road trip through the Prosecco region. Reddit+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Follina Abbey is free and it is open to the public. You can explore its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere without any admission fee. Reddit

The abbey is generally open to the public, but specific hours can vary. It's always a good idea to check for any updated information closer to your visit, though it's often accessible during daylight hours. Reddit

The cloister is part of the abbey complex, and as the abbey itself is free to enter, access to the cloister is also typically included without an additional charge. Reddit+1

Follina Abbey is a place of worship, so it is generally accessible on Sundays. However, during mass times, access to certain areas might be restricted. It's best to be mindful of ongoing services. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned in all reviews, the historical significance of Follina Abbey suggests that guided tours might be available, especially during peak tourist seasons. Inquire locally or check their official website for details. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the enchanting Romanesque cloister with its unique capitals, the 13th-century Cistercian Gothic basilica, and the revered image of the Madonna di Follina. The Lombard-style bell tower is also a striking feature. Reddit+2

Yes, Follina Abbey is highly recommended for photography. The cloister's symmetry, the architectural details, and the soft light create stunning photographic opportunities. Early mornings are ideal for capturing the best light. Reddit

Visitors describe the atmosphere as serene, peaceful, and cool, even on hot days. It's a place of deep spirituality and quiet beauty, offering a sanctuary from the outside world. Reddit

Pay close attention to the unique capitals in the cloister, each carved with different motifs. The harmonious proportions of the basilica and the Lombard-style bell tower are also significant architectural elements. Reddit+1

The monastery garden and surrounding areas are also noted as beautiful. The abbey is situated in the charming village of Follina, which itself is worth exploring. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants located directly inside Follina Abbey itself. However, the abbey is situated in the village of Follina, which offers a good selection of restaurants for lunch or dinner. Reddit

The village of Follina offers typical Italian cuisine, likely with regional specialties from the Veneto area. You can expect pasta dishes, local meats, and possibly dishes featuring local produce. Reddit

While specific restaurant recommendations are not detailed in the provided reviews, visitors have confirmed that 'plenty of restaurants' are available nearby for dining. Exploring the village will reveal various options. Reddit

Follina is located in the heart of the Prosecco region, so it's an excellent place to sample local wines. Many restaurants in the village will likely offer a good selection of Prosecco. Reddit

It's highly probable that the village of Follina has cafes or bars where you can grab a coffee, pastry, or a light snack. These are usually found in the main village squares or streets. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Romanesque cloister is a prime spot, especially when the sunlight hits the columns. The basilica's interior, with its soft light and frescoes, and the exterior of the Lombard-style bell tower also offer great photo opportunities. Reddit

Early mornings are highly recommended for photography. This is when the abbey is quietest and the sunlight creates a truly amazing effect, particularly in the cloister. Reddit

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed inside religious sites like Follina Abbey. However, flash photography might be prohibited to protect frescoes and artworks. It's always wise to check for any posted signs. Reddit

A wide-angle lens would be beneficial for capturing the grandeur of the basilica and the cloister. A prime lens with a wide aperture can be useful for low-light interior shots. A tripod might be helpful for longer exposures, but check if they are permitted. Reddit

Drone photography is generally restricted in and around historical and religious sites due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Follina Abbey offers a peaceful and visually engaging experience for families. The free entry makes it an accessible outing, and the cool interior provides a welcome respite on warm days. Kids might be fascinated by the unique carvings on the cloister capitals – it's like a scavenger hunt for different animals and faces! Reddit

While the abbey is a place of worship, its historical and architectural elements can spark curiosity. The story of the abbey and the visual appeal of the cloister can be more engaging than a typical museum visit. Plus, the village of Follina itself is charming and offers nearby dining options for a family meal after exploring. Don't forget to keep an eye out for the friendly orange cat that roams the grounds – a definite highlight for younger visitors! Reddit+1

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Follina Abbey is a dream destination for photographers, offering a blend of architectural grandeur and serene beauty. The Romanesque cloister is a standout, particularly in the early morning light when the symmetry of the columns creates a magical effect. The unique, intricately carved capitals provide endless detail shots. Reddit

Beyond the cloister, the 13th-century basilica offers opportunities for capturing atmospheric interior shots with its soft, mystical light. The Lombard-style bell tower provides a strong vertical element against the sky. Visiting during the quieter early morning hours is highly recommended to avoid crowds and capture the best light, ensuring a more peaceful and productive photography session. Reddit

❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways

Nestled in the charming village of Follina, the Abbey offers a wonderfully romantic backdrop. Its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful architecture create an intimate setting perfect for couples seeking a quiet escape. The enchanting Romanesque cloister, with its delicate columns and unique carvings, provides a picturesque spot for a stroll and some memorable photos. Reddit+1

Combine your visit with a leisurely walk through the village and enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the local restaurants. The abbey's serene ambiance, coupled with the surrounding beauty of the Prosecco region, makes it an ideal destination for couples looking for a blend of history, art, and tranquility. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architectural Marvels of Follina Abbey

Follina Abbey is a stunning example of evolving architectural styles, primarily showcasing Cistercian Gothic purity and Romanesque charm. The current basilica, initiated in the 13th century, is a testament to the Cistercian order's emphasis on austerity, harmony, and light. Its proportions are balanced, and the interior is bathed in a soft, mystical glow that enhances its spiritual ambiance. This architectural style reflects a move towards greater simplicity and functionality in monastic buildings. Reddit+1

The Romanesque cloister, tucked away along the southern wall, offers a more intimate and decorative experience. It's characterized by slender columns, each topped with a uniquely carved capital. These capitals are a treasure trove of medieval artistry, depicting a variety of motifs from delicate leaves and flowers to more whimsical faces, beasts, and symbolic figures. The symmetry created by these columns when sunlight filters through is described as 'truly amazing,' making it a highlight for many visitors. Reddit+1

Complementing these are the Lombard-style bell tower and the overall historical narrative of the abbey, which dates back to before the year 1000. Through centuries of change, suppression, and restoration, the abbey has retained its essence as a place of contemplation and beauty, making its architecture a significant draw for history and art enthusiasts. Reddit

A Journey Through Follina Abbey's History

The history of Follina Abbey is a long and rich tapestry, beginning nearly a millennium ago. Founded by Benedictine monks before the year 1000, it later transitioned to the Cistercian order in 1146. Under Cistercian stewardship, the abbey flourished, becoming a significant monastic center in northern Italy. Generous donations, such as that from noblewoman Sofia del Camino in 1170, fueled its growth, leading to the development of extensive monastic complexes including cloisters and farmland. Reddit

The 13th century marked a significant period of construction, with the current basilica being initiated under master builder Gualtiero da Lodi. This era solidified the abbey's Cistercian Gothic identity. Throughout the centuries, the abbey has witnessed periods of devotion, but also faced challenges such as suppression and neglect. Despite these trials, it has undergone restorations, preserving its historical and spiritual integrity. Reddit

Today, Follina Abbey stands as a cultural treasure, housing the venerated image of the Madonna di Follina and continuing its legacy as a place of silence, beauty, and spiritual dialogue. Its enduring presence makes it a compelling destination for those interested in medieval history and religious heritage. Reddit+1

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