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By Johanna the 23/09/2022

Assunta Gloriosa Monastery, Sari Solenzara

A rejuvenating visit

Get away from all the hustle and bustle of Corsica’s seaside towns and enjoy a moment of pure tranquility at the Monastery of Sari. Recharge your batteries and contemplate the beauty and atmosphere of this almost secret, off the beaten track monument where it feels as though time has stood still, a place to meet with those who have dedicated their lives to God….

Venture to the to the heart of the Monastery of Sari in the territory of Alta Rocca/Côte des Nacres.

 

In a preserved pine forest on the Côte de Nacres, the Assunta Gloriosa Monastery of Sari (South Corsica) the nuns of the Monastic Family of Bethlehem, the Assumption of the Virgin and Saint Bruno began construction of the monastery in 1988. To the west, the Aiguilles de Bavella, rocky spikes of red granite, stand tall. To the south, the Tyrrhenian Sea stretches as far as the eye can see.

 

The clean lines and minimalist geometry of the Monastery give a feeling of serenity and calmness, the heavy stone stairs seem to have always been there. According to the tradition of Saint Bruno, a Monastery of Bethlehem should include:

 

  • · An essential part where the nuns may live in deep solitude. In this area the workshops are also located.
  • · A reception area: to allow the welcome of passing visitors, families and those seeking religious retreat.

 

 

At certain times, you may have the chance to attend a service and enjoy soothing monastic songs in an atmosphere that requires silence and promotes meditation.  Every turn here reminds us that everything is about discretion and self-denial.

 

In front of the reception area, visitors can discover cakes, jams, crafts, sculptures and pottery produced by the nuns. By purchasing a small souvenir, you are helping the community in its daily life and in the maintenance of the premises. The pottery and all objects are arranged in simple harmony on the shelves. The jams, fruit juices and biscuits are delicious. There are also santons (small figurines of the saints), crucifixes and rosaries which have been created with great skill.

 

A bit of history...

 

The monastic family of Bethlehem, of the Assumption of the Virgin and of Saint Bruno was founded 1 November 1950 in St. Peter's Square in Rome. Pope Pius XII proclaimed the dogma of the Assumption of the Virgin which states that Mary was raised, body and soul, from earth to heaven. A group of French pilgrims received a calling to give their all so that new communities could be born within the Church. Their vocation is to commune with the life of the Mother of God present in the heart of the Trinity, in a life of adoration of the Father, in Spirit and in Truth.

©ATC M.A NORMAND-ALESSANDRI ©ATC M.A NORMAND-ALESSANDRI

 

©ATC M.A NORMAND-ALESSANDRI ©ATC M.A NORMAND-ALESSANDRI

 

©ATC M.A NORMAND-ALESSANDRI ©ATC M.A NORMAND-ALESSANDRI

 

 

©ATC M.A NORMAND-ALESSANDRI ©ATC M.A NORMAND-ALESSANDRI

 

©ATC M.A NORMAND-ALESSANDRI ©ATC M.A NORMAND-ALESSANDRI

 

©ATC M.A NORMAND-ALESSANDRI ©ATC M.A NORMAND-ALESSANDRI

 

©ATC M.A NORMAND-ALESSANDRI ©ATC M.A NORMAND-ALESSANDRI

 

Some practical tips:

From Solenzara take the road to Sari. Climb to the top of the village. On the right you will find a junction with a signpost to the Monastery. Parking is available. Note that Monday is a day of absolute silence and solitude called "desert day."

 

The monastery is best visited from Tuesdays to Fridays between 09:30 and 17:00, and on Saturdays between 11:30 and 17:00 (except on days of prayer and solemnities.)

 

Find out more about the Monastery. 

 

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