The magnificent Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere stands proudly on a hill, dominating the rugged Adriatic coast, and is located just a few kilometers from the city center. The original church was built by Benedictine monks between the 6th and 7th centuries on the remains of an ancient pagan temple dedicated to Venus. The current structure was built by Abbot Oderisio II (1155-1204), who is buried in the sarcophagus embedded in the main facade.
The most striking feature of the building is, first of all, the monumental façade with the large and ornate “Luna” portal (13th century), surrounded by slabs of white marble, intricately sculpted in relief, depicting scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist.
Inside, the church follows the classic structure of Cistercian basilicas, with three naves ending in apses, separated by square-based pillars supporting arches that are either pointed or round. The presbytery, elevated above the main floor, is framed by a grand triumphal arch with a pointed arch design. The altar, made from an ancient marble slab, is located at the opening of the central apse. Below the presbytery lies the crypt, divided by columns from the ancient Venus temple. Fascinating medieval frescoes cover the apsidal vaults, and on the eastern wall, there is a small funerary monument from the 14th century.
The cloister is also interesting, featuring a gallery of twenty-nine triforiums divided by sixty-eight base-less columns with variably decorated capitals. The three sides of the cloister connect to the large Gothic arch of the bell tower, beneath which is a sarcophagus from excavations in the surrounding area.
