This amazing "castle" perched on a mountain and
overlooking the valley, and surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes, is
actually a very ancient abbey and one of the symbols of Piedmont, my beautiful
region. The Sacra di San Michele (Saint Michael's Abbey) has
ancient origins dating back to 966 AD and many myths and legends surrounding
it. But the mountain bears evidence of human settlements since prehistoric
times, and in later times, it was fortified by the Ligurians and by the Celts. Being
such a strategic place, the Romans, the Longobards and the Franks were here
too. I am pretty sure that such a place was already sacred for
ancient inhabitants, way before Christianity. The walk up there is breathtaking
in itself, and the place is not only of stunning beauty, but it has a mystical
quality which can be literally felt in both the ancient stones and the
breathtaking location. Sharing this magical place with my Loved One made it
even more special :)
You can read very interesting information about the Abbey and its history here. And you can see images of the Sacra and its amazing environment here.
The magical old town of Pinerolo, Piedmont, takes you back to the Middle Ages... Walking through its narrow lanes uphill to this church is like walking back in time, in a magical setting of ancient buildings and secret gardens hidden away behind ancient walls. At night the light is magical... oneiric, almost unreal. The view from the top of the hill is breathtaking!