Living surrounded by silence: the story of the caretaker of the abbey of San Benedetto al Subasio

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The search for a peaceful place suitable for meditation is one of the reasons why monks and hermits, since the 9th century, have frequented the Abbey of San Benedetto on Monte Subasio, in central Italy.

Restored several times after the terrible earthquake that hit central Italy in 1997, it currently belongs to the Benedictine nuns who trusted the only inhabitant of the area to take care of the abbey.

“I thought about it for some time, because it wasn’t an obvious choice, but that desire led me to come here and that’s what should drive anyone who wants to come here and spend a few days with me here”, explains Alberto Cisco, caretaker of the San Benedetto Abbey, to Euronews.

The desire for peace and a setting that invites contemplation is what moves anyone to want to isolate themselves and spend a few days in the abbey’s rooms in the company of the caretaker.

“A place like this is not a given and must be preserved. The silence that reigns here must be maintained a little. In recent days, I have received many requests from people who really want to experience this”, he adds.

Live in peace and silence. Alberto has made it a lifestyle, for others it is the opportunity to escape for a few days from the chaos and noise of everyday life and perhaps find a little of themselves.

He has lived at the abbey since mid-March, in the company of two faithful companions, Birba, a dog, and Spot, a cat. The three welcome visitors.

“I think that here it is essential to welcome especially those who want to come and see this place with this extraordinary architecture, but also those who want to come and enjoy the silence”, says the Italian caretaker.