The Sacra of São Miguel, with more than 1,000 years of existence, is one of the most impressive monasteries in the world
Amajor fire on the night of Wednesday, January 24, caused serious damage to the roof of the ancient Italian abbey known worldwide as The Sacra of St. Michael.
The impressive complex of more than ten centuries, consisting of a monastery and a church, was built between 983 and 987 on a huge rock of the Susa Valley in the Piedmont region , about 40 kilometers from Turin. The monumental abbey underwent restoration work precisely on the roof. The first information is that a short circuit probably caused the flames.
There are no injuries. The three Rosminian priests living in the abbey were taken away for safety. The abbey was entrusted to its religious order, the Institute of Charity, in 1836. The historical treasures, cultural and sacred art also seem to have been spared from destruction.
The Sacra of Saint Michael is part of the old Via Francigena, a medieval pilgrimage route that went from France to Rome. It is one of the seven sanctuaries dedicated to the Archangel Michael which, because of its geographic location, form on the map an impressive straight line between Ireland and Israel . Find out more about these 7 sanctuaries by visiting the following article:
