WHAT TO VISIT IN SESTO AL REGHENA

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THE ABBEY OF SANTA MARIA IN SYLVIS

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Sesto al Reghena, a small village in the province of Pordenone, takes its name from Roman times. "Sesto" refers to the six Roman miles separating the village from Concordia Sagittaria, while "Reghena" comes from the river that runs through it.

The village's main attraction is the stunning Abbey of Santa Maria in Sylvis. Originally a Benedictine abbey, it was devastated in 889 and later rebuilt as a fortified structure, resembling a medieval castle. The preserved parts of the original abbey include the entrance tower, the Basilica, the abbey's residence (now the Town Hall), the chancellery, and the presbytery.

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FRESCOES OF GIOTTO AND HIS PUPILS

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A visit to the Basilica is truly remarkable. This Romanic-Byzantine style church is adorned with a cycle of frescoes by the school of Giotto, dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Among the most striking pieces is a rare "Lignum Vitae" or "Tree of Life," one of only three in the entire region. The frescoes also depict the life of Saint Benedict, offering a fascinating glimpse into the spiritual and artistic history of the time.

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THE URN OF SANT'ANASTASIA

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In the crypt, you'll find the Urn of Sant'Anastasia, a rare artifact from the Lombard period (8th century). Carved from marble, this urn was likely once used as a lectern, showcasing intricate images that tell the story of the period.

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THE LAPIDARY MUSEUM

The Abbey also houses a small museum featuring a collection of "Lapidaria," or stone inscriptions from ancient times, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the region's rich history and heritage.