Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ Taken on 08/02/2020. Marking the boundary between the Graian Alps to the north and the Cottian Alps to the south is 'Val Cenischia' ('Cenischia Valley') that passes through ancient settlements like Novalesa before meeting the Dora Riparia alpine river in 'Val di Susa' ('Susa Valley'). Upon entering Val Cenischia (by bus, of course!), look up to your left and eventually you will catch a fleeting glimpse of 'Abbazia di Novalesa', ('Novalesa Abbey'), soaring high at 828 metres above sea level. This Abbey was founded in 726 AD by Cistercian monks along an important pilgrimage route that became a significant stage of the 'Via Francigena'. It is not only a pretty sight – prettier still once you arrive there after a short walk from the medieval village of Novalesa – but it is also one of the foremost historic and artistic landmarks in the Western Alps. Did you know that the Abbey was among the most important abbeys in Europe over a thousand years ago? No, neither did I. Though when I entered the Abbey's archaeological museum and park and went inside the four medieval chapels, I quickly understood why. Take look at the splendid series of frescoes in this set of photos that are found in the Chapel of Saint Eldrado. I was absolutely astonished to learn that these frescoes were from the late 11th Century given the freshness of their colours. They depict the lives of Saint Eldrado, to whom the Chapel is devoted, and Saint Nicholas. There were so many rich paintings and intricate details to take in within such a short space of time that I was kindly allowed to take some photos that I'm happy to share with you. Take a bus with 'Sadem' (line 286) from Susa and prepare to breathe in history. ______________________________________ #cappella #valdisusa #ig_turin #novalesa #italia #italy #ilikeitaly #hiddenart #italiainfoto #fresco #beautifulmatters #beautifuldestinations #wonderful_places #viaggiainitalia #neverstoptravelling #exploremore #discoveritaly #piedmont #visitpiemonte #ig_italia #yallersitalia #ig_piemonte #yallerspiemonte #best_italiansites #italy_illife #italy_bestart #thelensbible #underrated_shots # #valcenischia (at Abbazia di Novalesa) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_2EF9topZn/?igshid=3k0dxrxq3c6f