Romanesque high in the mountains
Hidden in the woods on the slopes of Monte Cornizzolo, above the village of Civate in the province of Lecco, the Abbey of San Pietro al Monte is one of the masterpieces of Lombard Romanesque art, reachable only on foot. Tradition says it was founded in the eighth century by the Lombard king Desiderius, in thanks for the healing of his son; the present buildings date mainly from the eleventh century.
After a walk of about an hour and a quarter along a mule track with steps, you reach a small plateau, where the basilica of San Pietro stands with its long staircase and the small oratory of San Benedetto, with three apses. Inside the basilica is an extraordinary cycle of eleventh century frescoes and stuccoes, of Ottonian-Byzantine inspiration, among the most important in Europe: the most famous shows the Apocalypse, with the Archangel Michael and the angels fighting the seven-headed dragon to save the woman and child. A stone ciborium decorated with stuccoes stands over the altar. The silence and the view over the Brianza lakes make the climb unforgettable.
Tip: wear hiking shoes and check the opening days, usually weekends and holidays, as guided visits are run by volunteers of the Friends of San Pietro association.
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