CLOISTER OF VOLTORRE

Today a cultural center, once part of a medieval abbey, the Cloister is a precious testimony of Lombard Romanesque in the Verbano valleys

The Cloister of Voltorre, located in the hamlet of the same name in Gavirate, is what remains of an ancient monastic complex dating back to the Middle Ages, now recognized as a national monument.

Built between the end of the 12th century and the beginning of the 13th century, the cloister was part of a Cluniac abbey dedicated to Saint Michael, where the monks led a life of prayer, hospitality and agricultural work.

The architecture of the complex is a fine example of Lombard Romanesque. The cloister, built in successive phases, is notable for its unusual layout—it extends behind the church, rather than on the south side—and for its elegant portico with slender columns, both cylindrical and octagonal, topped by unique capitals, each one different from the others. The capitals depict geometric and plant motifs, as well as fantastical figures such as sirens, human heads, and animals. An inscription attributes the project to "Magister Lanfranco," the likely sculptor and architect of the work.

Behind the church, with a single nave and a semicircular apse, stands a massive and severe stone bell tower, typical of early medieval architecture.

The monastery was suppressed in 1798 following Napoleonic requisitions. In 1913, a fire destroyed part of the complex, but thanks to major restoration work conducted by the Province of Varese, the cloister has now been reborn as a cultural center and museum, dedicated primarily to contemporary art. 

Photo credit: https://presepigavirate.it/