Abbazia di Nonantola Attractions

At Nonantola (24m/79ft; pop. 11,000) stands the well-known Abbazia di Nonantola, founded in the eighth century and dedicated to St Silvester. It was destroyed several times by fire and rebuilt, the latest building in Romanesque style dating from the 12th century. The abbey was restored in the 20th century, in particular the crypt, the vault of which is supported by 64 small columns decorated with capitals. The south aisle of the abbey church is decorated with 15th century wall paintings by a master of Modena. The church treasury includes manuscripts with miniatures and gold work. Notable is the relief on the doorway with scenes from the Gospels and episodes from the history of the abbey.