A historic mansion surrounded by nature
A historic mansion surrounded by nature
A historic mansion surrounded by nature
All the charm of 700 years of history for an unforgettable vacation
The relais Santa Maria del Bosco was originally an ancient abbey, initially built to house Benedictine monks and then passed to the Olivetan Congregation.
The original abbey, probably dating back to the 1300s, was built by a group of hermits who were accused of heresy and lived here until they embraced the Benedictine rule. The monumental complex, completed in the 17th century, is built on four levels around two large cloisters. The first square-shaped cloister, surrounded by 36 columns with Doric capitals interspersed with round arches and niches, has a large Baroque fountain in its center; meanwhile, the second cloister is rectangular, with columns with Doric capitals supporting round arches and with a fountain dating from 1713 in its center.
The abbey, surrounded by about 200 hectares of wooded land, offers unparalleled panoramic views of western Sicily. A Latin-cross plan church, erected between 1643 and 1757, stands between the monastery and the soaring cusped pyramidal bell tower.
After crossing the threshold of the monastery, a 108-meter-long vaulted corridor, punctuated by flowing red drapes, leads guests into the elegant and evocative rooms, which were converted from the monks’ ancient chambers, and brings them into the sacredness of distant times.
Marabitti's cherubs
Baroque art style inspired by a great master from Palermo
The Abbazia Santa Maria del Bosco also encapsulates a mix of cultures and art. Indeed, within the large medieval-style spaces, you can admire wonderful stucco cherubs, the result of Serpotta’s unmistakable craft. The little angels, typical of Serpotta’s work, adorn the jambs of some of the abbey’s doors. For many years, the Abbazia Santa Maria del Bosco held the famous “Portrait of Eleanor of Aragon,” a marble sculpture depicting the princess of Caltabellotta made by Francesco Laurana around 1468. The Abbey now contains limestone works by Paolo Busacca.
