Began the day visiting Abbey and Monastery of Montecorona in Umbertide. The Abbey had ancient Roman column capitals in its lower church, as well as Celtic designs that may have come from the barbarians.

Upper church where many weddings are held. After WWII many Catholic Churches would not perform wedding ceremonies for Communists. The priest at Montecorona did marry Communists in his church.

Up the hill about 800 meters, the Hermitage of Montecorona is home to 12 monks in an order with very recent roots dating to 1950- the order of Bethlehem, the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, and Saint Bruno. It started with a vision of “Mary in the Sky” – Mary in body and spirit. Very interesting to hear a young French brother talk about the history. This order spends most of its time in silence and solitude, including all meals except on Sunday.

San Diego ( our amazing Civitella historian and guide)

The Trinity is very important to this order of monks, and this icon hangs over the altar of the small chapel, as well as over the altar of the larger church which is under restoration.

Brother Giuseppe and Ilaria (one of our hosts)

Chapel of Immaculate Mary

Had an incredible lunch at the Abbey Restaurant

After returning to Civitella, we had a fun filled cooking lesson with the great cook here at the castle- Romana. She made apple strudel, cream zucchini and leek soup, pork loin with laurel leaf and wrapped in tripe, and carmelized purple onions. Delicious dinner!