Benedictine monks built the abbey of San Gaudenzio on what some believe is the site of a Roman temple, perhaps dedicated to Jupiter Capitolinus. The Benedictines can take credit for having introduced the cultivation of grapevines on their land.
Date: 12th century.
Still and sparkling wines of excellent quality are still produced around this abbey.
In fact the historic building has been incorporated into a winery, though some original architectural elements are still present: parts of the main section, the three semi-circular apses in sandstone with single-lancet windows and Lombard bands, mosaics and carvings.
The single-lancet window in the central apse has interesting decorations of plant volutes, paired fish and two lions placed symmetrically to defend the opening.
