Sant'Antonio's Monastery

Nestled in the charming town of Conegliano, Italy, Sant'Antonio's Monastery, known locally as Ex convento di Sant'Antonio, stands as a testament to centuries of history and architectural splendor. This former monastic complex, located at the southern edge of Borgo Cavour, is a must-see for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich past.

The History of Sant'Antonio's Monastery

Originally founded in the 11th century as a hospice and hospital dedicated to Saint Anthony the Abbot and San Salvatore, Sant'Antonio's Monastery underwent a significant transformation in 1232. Under the direction of the Bishop of Ceneda, the facility was converted for monastic use and became home to the Augustinian Canons of San Marco of Mantua. In 1479, the Lateran Canons took over, restoring the building and reaffirming its dedication to Saint Anthony the Abbot.

The 16th century marked the golden age of Sant'Antonio's Monastery. During this period, it became one of the most important and affluent complexes in Conegliano, boasting a grand church with three wide naves in Gothic style. The church was adorned with frescoes created in 1514 by the renowned artist Pordenone, adding to its artistic and spiritual significance.

However, the monastery's fortunes changed in 1769 when it was suppressed by the Republic of Venice. By 1771, the religious occupants had abandoned the site, and in 1772, the complex was purchased by Venetian grocer Giovanni Maria Melancini, who was tasked with maintaining the building. Despite this, the Melancini family neglected the monastery, leading to the collapse of the façade in 1813 and the sale of several artworks attributed to Beccaruzzi. The remaining structures of the monastery were later acquired by the Rocca family, giving rise to the name Villa Rocca.

Exploring Sant'Antonio's Monastery

Today, visitors can explore the remnants of Sant'Antonio's Monastery along Via Diaz, a short street connecting Piazzetta Duca d'Aosta to the heart of Parco Rocca. The main surviving structure is a small wing of the original complex, featuring a cloister with a portico supported by composite capital columns and adorned with cross-vaulted ceilings decorated with frescoes. The two-story building, now a private residence, is painted red and is accompanied by a more recent orange building from the 1920s.

Across the street, another private residence known as Casa La Grassa showcases similar architectural features, including a verandah and a dentil cornice in terracotta at the roofline, indicating its connection to the original monastery. The rear of this building features a curvilinear wall, a small apsidiole from the original convent.

Regrettably, nothing remains of the original church of Sant'Antonio Abate, which once had three naves, ten side chapels, and three apses. The church's façade faced Piazzetta Duca d'Aosta, closing off the cloister. The original fresco by Pordenone, depicting the Madonna with Child among four saints (Saint Mary Magdalene, Saint Ubaldo, Saint Augustine, and Saint Catherine), was removed from the polygonal apse of the choir and is now housed in the Civic Museum of Conegliano.

The Sentinel of Parco Rocca

One of the highlights of visiting Sant'Antonio's Monastery is the opportunity to see the monumental cypress tree in the former cloister garden. Known as the Sentinel of Parco Rocca, this towering tree, dating back to the early 19th century, stands at an impressive height of 26 meters. Despite surviving the bombings of 1918 that devastated Via Cavour, the tree's top was pruned in 2017 after being struck by lightning and drying out.

In conclusion, Sant'Antonio's Monastery is not just a historical site; it is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Conegliano. Its walls and remaining structures tell stories of religious devotion, artistic achievement, and the passage of time. Whether you're a history buff or simply looking for a picturesque spot to explore, Sant'Antonio's Monastery offers a unique and captivating experience in the heart of Italy's Veneto region.