Saint Nicholas 11th Century Frescos

Cappella di S. Eldrado e S. Nicola—Abbazia di Novalesa

The Benedictine Abbey, founded in AD 726, has 9th century Byzantine-style frescos of Saint Nicholas. They are among the oldest surviving St. Nicholas images (1096). The abbey, located along La Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome, provided hospitality to pilgrims until 17th century when it was taken over by Cistercians. Benedictines returned in the 1970s and have a workshop restoring ancient manuscripts.

Four scenes of the St. Nicholas cycle are on the chapel ceiling; the other two are on the left and right walls.

Photos: Abbazia di Novalesa, used by permission