From The TV Show: San Giovanni in Venere in Abruzzo

In the Abruzzo episode of the second season of Dream of Italy on PBS, Kathy visits the nearly 1000 year old monastery of San Giovanni in Venere.

San Giovanni in Venere Abbey in Fossacesia originated around 80 B.C. as a pagan temple to Venus and was later used as a monastery for Benedictine monks. The current structure was built in 1065 and is well-preserved and still standing, and the Passionists, a sect of Catholicism, took over its care in 1954. The surrounding land, donated by counts and marquis over the centuries, is full of olive groves and overlooks the Adriatic coast. The basilica is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to sunset. Admission is free, and guided tours are possible with advance booking. For more information, visit: sangiovanninvenere.it

To learn how to experience everything Kathy did in Abruzzo, get your free copy of the full Dream of Italy: Season Two Travel Guide here.

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