Discover the serene Parish Santa Maria Assunta in Badia Prataglia, an enchanting 10th-century abbey with a precious Romanesque crypt from the 8th century. Witness the profound simplicity of this ancient Christian settlement, nestled among the Tuscan mountains. Explore the rich history, architectural beauty, and the deep connection to St. Francis that make this abbey a must-see for pilgrims and hikers alike.
The history of the village of Badia Prataglia is closely linked to the abbey, founded around 986 by two Benedictine monks from Cassino. In its early years, the abbey rapidly grew in size and number of monks. By 1008, the new church was consecrated by Elemperto, the bishop of Arezzo, who expanded the monastery and allocated it woods, vineyards, and fields along the Archiano river, in the parishes of Partina and Bibbiena.
From its foundation to the middle of the 12th century, the Abbey of Prataglia gained increasing power and influence through a series of donations from the bishops of Arezzo. However, its expansion clashed with that of Camaldoli, which had gained greater power and fame in the meantime. In 1157, the Bishop of Arezzo subjected Prataglia and all its possessions to Rodolfo, Prior General of the Camaldolese order, thus putting an end to the disputes and struggles between the two religious orders, a decision later approved by the Pope.
The abbey survived until 1391, when Pope Boniface IX suppressed it, uniting its assets with those of Camaldoli. Today, all that remains is the church dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta and San Bartolomeo, remodeled several times over the centuries.
