IN

I foglianti a Santa Maria di Testona (1614-1814)

Autore: Claudio Anselmo
In: Chiese d’Italia. 8
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Abstract

This essay describes the presence – over two centuries – of the Foglianti in Santa Maria di Testona. In 1614 Francesco Vagnone, Lord of Castelvecchio, raised a Monastery that he would then entrust to a new religious family – the Foglianti – in full expansion at the time with the support of the Dukes of Savoy. The first monks settled in the hamlet of Testona, near Moncalieri, having in concession the ancient Romanesque church of Santa Maria. After a growth in the number of monks and novices, in 1708 the General Chapter elevated Testona from priorate to abbey. Later, in 1734, the monastery church was endowed with a new elegant baroque façade. In the meantime, according to the various accounts of visitors, the Foglianti were often guilty of neglectfulness towards the Rules. In fact, during the Revolutionary period some monks from Testona took part in the Jacobin movement. After the Restoration in 1814 the monastery and church were handed over to the management of the Capuchin monks, bringing to an end the presence of the Foglianti in Testona.