Abbey Palace of Loreto

At the foot of the mountain, in the territory of Mercogliano, stands the abbey palace of Loreto. It replaced an early 12th-century monastery linked to Saint William of Vercelli, destroyed by the earthquake of 29 November 1732. The monks of Montevergine also chose the valley to set up an infirmary, away from the harsh mountain climate. The name may come from an ancient laurel grove.On the ground floor, the only part open to visitors, we suggest admiring three 18th-century Flemish tapestries and the cellar. We are enchanted by the old pharmacy, with over three hundred hand-painted maiolica jars. The palace also houses the State Library of Montevergine, with some 200,000 volumes, and an archive of about 7,000 parchments.