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Now the workshop in which we shall diligently
execute all these tasks is the enclosure of the
monastery and stability in the community. (RB 4,78)
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The monastery in Praglia is arranged around four cloisters:
Situated on the second floor, its
central area rests on four vaulted pillars set directly on
the underlying and surrounding rock. The slope of this floor
made it possible to collect rainwater, which converged in
the cistern well after descending in four falls.
The
current renaissance cloister, attributed to the Lombardo
family, rises on the site of a previous Romanesque cloister,
called the cloister of
Paradise, which was situated on the south
wall of the early medieval church.
The
trunks, bases, and the Corinthian capitals of the columns
are made of finely crafted stone from
Istria.
Arranged in a
central position with respect to the various buildings, the
cloister connects the various communal living areas.
The double cloister rises on the east part of the building.
This is the area reserved for the monks.
Their cells are arranged around the interior space of this
cloister which takes its name from the double layout of
arcades.
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Botanical Cloister (1480) |
Its name derives from the fact that it
was once dedicated to the cultivation of herbs, plants used
for extracting medicines processed in the ancient pharmacy.
Today, this space is arranged as an Italian-style garden.
Late
gothic double-lanced windows with acute trefoil arches open
on four sides, supported by alternating columns of red
Verona and white Istria marble, with capitals decorated with acanthus
leaves. An elegant terracotta frieze runs above them.
A few
Renaissance style portals open along the walls of the
portico.
On the
north side, next to the porter’s lodge, called the
door of charity,
there is an oratory dedicated to the blessed Virgin Mary,
with a 17th century
scagliola altar
covering.
Since 1951 the
south side houses the ancient book restoration workshop.
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Rustic Cloister (1550-1600 ca.)
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This area once principally reserved
for farming, but today it houses the hospitality area:
- The
guest rooms, for those who wish to spend a few days of
spiritual retreat in silence and prayer in the monastery;
- The
centre for cultural activities, meetings and conferences;
- The tourists welcome hall, the
starting point for guided tours of the monastery.
In the centre of the cloister lies an 18th
century trachyte well.
The east
side of the vaulted cloister offers access to the
Loggetta Belvedere (17th century) also called
Loggetta del Fogazzaro.
From here, visitors can admire the pleasant landscape of the
Euganean hills, the monastery’s rural area with its vineyard,
vegetable garden, orchard, apiary, and the underlying
garden.
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