San Flaviano Awakening Retreat.
San Flaviano, The Land of Light where the Doves Meet is one of Italy’s oldest buildings. It is estimated that the original Etruscan Temple on this site was built around 750 BC. The present church was built from the ruins in the 8th century and grew with the community until the 15th century.
The church is dedicated to the 4th century Archbishop of Constantinople San Flaviano and was used as a resting place for pilgrims on the route to Assisi. The frescoes over and around the altar area are from the 14th century and have been restored where possible. There are beautiful watercolors of San Flaviano, St. Thomas, and St. Anthony along with cherubs and angels playing music and singing. San Flaviano serviced the community until closing in 1972 when it was de consecrated. It has reopened its doors in 2014 as a non-denominational spiritual center, taking care of those who also want to take the pilgrimage to their essential selves through a physical, emotional and spiritual pilgrimage. The rest of the beautiful white stone building was most certainly a monastery and has been newly renovated. It includes a living room / dining room with fireplace, a professional chef’s kitchen, and four double bedrooms, each with their own en suite private bathroom.
Another interesting element is that the four bedrooms are each off the stone portico. The portico in front of the bedrooms looks out onto the lush green hills. The church has an oak beamed mezzanine added with artisan bathrooms, kitchen, open plan living and sleeping area for individuals or groups. The oldest section of the church, dating back to 10th century, is a small stone building. It later became used as the sacristy and is now a comfortable living room. The surrounding plot on a hilltop is approximately a hectare from which one enjoys peaceful views of the countryside. The property is located on a wonderfully panoramic highland with great views and a lovely wooden surround, the woods are primarily precious oak wood.
