Abbazia di Novalesa

The Benedictine Monastery of St. Peter and St. Andrew, better known as Novalesa Abbey, was founded in 726. For its position commanding the Mont Cenis Pass between Italy and France, it became an important outpost for Charlemagne and the Franks, entering Italy: during this period was the height of the Abbey’s splendor. Today it’s Metropolitan City of Turin’s property and hosts a community of Benedictine Monks. Around the monastery are four chapels: the main one is dedicated to St. Eldradus and houses a fresco cycle from the late 11th century, depicting stories of the life of St. Eldradus and St. Nicholas. It's one of the first known Nicholas's frescoes in continental Europe. The monastery is open to those in need of a spiritual retreat, with single rooms for men and self-managed lodgings for both women and men. In the little shop annexed you can buy books, honey, jams, sweets and candies, as well as spirits produced by the monks.