The medieval festival of Priverno, in Lazio, involves the whole village of Fossanova. Participating in the Festa Nova which takes place in the summer months is also the way to visit the Gothic Abbey of Fossanova and much more.
A Privett, in Lazio, there is a place where time seems to have stopped. In the evening, low lights illuminate the pavement of the village and the majestic silhouette of the Abbey stands out on the square like a stone guardian, adamant but benevolent, with its gothic decorations. L'Abbey and village of Fossanova they represent an intact, silent and magical glimpse of medieval life, which captivates the modern traveler with its atmosphere of other times. In summer, medieval history and tradition come to life in a well-kept and evocative festival in which knights, jesters and court ladies stroll among blacksmith and paper-makers' shops, camps of archers and swordsmen and succulent kitchens with an ancient flavor. But the village can be lived all year round, with free admission, to experience the extraordinary sensation of walking in the Middle Ages.
Fossanova Abbey
Fossanova Abbey dominates the village with its own gothic facade and a rose window that recalls the most famous French cathedrals, but takes on a more sober aspect inside. That aspect that gives the Fossanova Abbey its majesty and royalty at the same time. In fact, entering from the main door, one is amazed by the very high naves and the almost bare interior, where the stone carves simple but perfect, essential but enveloping features.
Closing your eyes it is easy to imagine aroyal coronation, amidst damask dresses and massive jewels, while a choir of monks intones a Gregorian chant with repeated and distant echoes. Do not stop inside, continue towards the cloister, where you will find yourself in a casket of vegetation and light columns twisted on themselves as if the stone were nothing more than a soft braided rope. And if in the center a well surrounded by greenery could not be missing, on the sides of the cloister there are all the rooms where the hours of monastic life, some have now become rooms for conferences, musical or cultural activities. The refectory for example, or the infirmary of the monks where the room of St. Thomas Aquinas, who spent his last days of prayer and meditation right in the Abbey of Fossanova, until 1274, the year of his death.
Stroll inside, linger in the chapter house, which has nothing to envy to larger and more famous monasteries, with its columns that here express all theelegance of the gothic style. Admission to the Abbey is always free, on Saturdays and Sundays the Abbey is also open for the whole day. For more information, check the website of theFossanova Abbey, with the opening hours and the services available. When you are satisfied with spirituality and art between Gothic and Romanesque, with silence and flickering flames next to the altars, with cold stones outside but full of meanings hidden inside them, well then leave the Fossanova Abbey to walk in the village, perhaps for an aperitif in the open air or a visit to the medieval museum.
The medieval village of Fossanova
The whole monastic complex seems set in a timeless jewel, represented by the small village of Fossanova. If you have already suffered the charm of the Fossanova Abbey, you will be pleasantly surprised by its magical village. Small but full of atmosphere, so small that no means of transport enter and you can only walk on its stone pavement, between artisan shops, the bakery, the bar, the restaurant and the guesthouse. If you want to take a pleasant break the bar is what you need, to eat instead the Foresteria of the village offers typical menus with local meats and buffalo mozzarella from the Pontine area.
Il forno instead it is a real surprise of flavors, enter and browse among the packs of freshly baked biscuits with various flavors and scents of fresh sweets, you will not be able to resist buying a delicious hot bag! Next to the entrance of the Fossanova Abbey you will also find the Abbey shop, with liqueurs, body lotions, soaps and objects and religious literature.
Eating and Sleeping in Fossanova
The village of Fossanova is populated by features red houses, where it is possible to stay. In addition, the Forno del Procoio, a local restaurant overlooking the square of the Abbey, offers various menus all year round, with local products, choice of vegetarian foods, for celiacs and intolerant. The garden is delightful and lends itself to various types of ceremonies, both in summer and in winter the particular atmosphere of the village guarantees a truly suggestive day. Hospitality and food in Fossanova are managed by the Foresteria del Borgo, which makes available the houses and other environments within the village of Fossanova, depending on the event to be celebrated or the desired stay or lunch.
The Medieval Museum of Fossanova
In the village of Fossanova it is also possible to visit the medieval museum, which through fragments of architectural artifacts found near the Abbey, ceramics, fabrics and objects illustrates the history of Privernum and the passage of the city from Roman times to the medieval village. The ticket costs € 3, with the possibility of reductions and periodically organizes educational or thematic events related to the history of the village and the town of Priverno and guided tours. Inside, even a bookshop where to browse and buy medieval, historical and archaeological literature.
Nova party
It is the event of the year in Fossanova. It is the period in which, usually in July or August, the village returns to its ancient splendor, populated by characters in medieval costumes and animated by street performances, burning braziers and shops vibrating with sounds and flavors of a distant time. Festa Nova is much more than a medieval re-enactment, it is an ancient village that seems to go back to its time, incorporating all the visitors who want to be part of this dream. Entrance to the festival usually costs about 5 euros, with the possibility of ample parking given the large influx of visitors and includes shows, fireworks, art exhibitions, itinerant medieval music, demonstrations of arts and crafts and artisan and gastronomic stands along all the streets of the village.
