The Abbey of San Benedetto in fundis, Stroncone

Along the route that connects Stroncone to Miranda are the remains of the Abbey of San Benedetto, which takes its name “fundis” from the nearby source of the monks.

Abbazia di San Benedetto in fundis, Stroncone/Miranda

Forgotten and falling into ruin from the 15th century onwards, it was erected by the Benedictine monks of Farfa around 1000, but the only document mentioning it dates back to 1181. Undoubtedly, due to its architectural features and the layout that is still visible, it must have been a very important abbey for its territory. It prospered for a few centuries, until, after having been dependent on the Abbey of St. Matthew of Rieti along with other abbeys, it was given in commendam to persons appointed by Rome who left it in a state of neglect. In 1810, it passed into the hands of Cardinal Lodovico Gazzoli, from the well-known Terni family, who did not pay any attention to it. The church initially consisted of a single nave but then, probably in the 12th century, two side aisles were added, as it appears today. A crypt was present. The wall of the apse remains fairly well preserved, with valuable decorative details.