600 years of history
The history of the Convento dell’Annunciata is intertwined with several stories: that of the Order of the Servants of Mary, which founded it in 1449 as a spiritual community; that of Monte Orfano, on the outer border of the area, which is essential to the character of the Franciacorta microclimate; and finally that of Bellavista and its patron and founder, Vittorio Moretti, who established one of the region’s most historic brands.
THE SPIRIT OF THE PLACE
The ‘Genius loci’ of the Convento dell’Annunciata
The choice of location was no accident. The meeting of the Mediterranean and sub-Alpine climates, the unusual vegetation for the surrounding area, the ancient terracing dating back to 1000 AD, and the special southern exposure all came together to forge an identity that exerts a great attraction, then as now.
THE TIMELINE
The history of the Convento dell’Annunciata
Origins
In 1449, the Friars of the Order of the Servants of Mary were granted permission to build a church and adjacent convent dedicated to the Santissima Annunciata on the site of a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This religious order was founded in Florence in the 13th century.
Thus, on the slopes of Monte Orfano, the Convento dell’Annunciata was built in a towering position, 260 metres above sea level. It has a double cloister in an intact, 15th-century form and elegant loggias. On a clear day, the view extends as far as the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and the Piedmont Alps.
The first community of eleven friars was established in 1452, and a valuable wooden panel depicting the Annunciation was installed in the church that same year. Construction work on the Cloister was completed in 1464.
The consecration
The church was completed in 1503 and consecrated in 1507. Between 1535 and 1540, the renowned artist Girolamo Romanino painted the ‘Annunciation’ fresco in the lunette above the altar.
The church subsequently grew in importance, becoming a place of pilgrimage and prayer. Many believers used to climb up to the Convent, particularly for major feasts dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Even St Charles Borromeo, the Archbishop of Milan, was interested in this important place for the local people, visiting the Convent in 1580.
Transitional years
In 1630, the Convent was converted into a hospital to care for victims of the plague. During this time, the walls of the church were disinfected with quicklime, thereby covering the frescoes, which were subsequently only partially restored.
In 1635, the Church acquired its current late Renaissance appearance through the reconstruction of the large nave and the addition of new chapels. In 1642, the convent was extended to the south with a feature typical of Franciacorta farmsteads: a double loggia.
The Convent’s influence in the area continued to grow. Along the slopes of Monte Orfano, the Friars intensified the cultivation of vines, a practice carried out since they settled there in the 15th century. They produced a vin santo that was highly regarded.
Secularisation
n 1772, the Republic of Venice closed down many places of worship, including the Convento dell’Annunciata.
It was sold at auction in 1773 and taken over by a company run by citizens from Rovato and Coccaglio, who converted it into a boarding school for youngsters.
Following several changes of ownership and various uses, including as a hotel and restaurant, the Convent was purchased again in 1870 by the citizens of Rovato. They formed a company chaired by the historian Cesare Cantù.
The return of the friars
In 1960, the Convento dell’Annunciata was returned to the Servants of Mary, who purchased the entire complex and restored its beauty through extensive renovations. On 23rd September 1963, the Friars returned to live in the convent.
In 1984, the friendship between Friar Sebastiano and Vittorio Moretti was strengthened by their shared passion for Franciacorta. Bellavista, the company founded by Moretti in Franciacorta, was entrusted with a portion of the vineyards cultivated by Friar Sebastiano. During this period, a research project began to protect and enhance the ancient Chardonnay vineyard planted by the Friars.
This study recognises the uniqueness of the location and the distinctiveness of the plot of land granted to Bellavista by the Friars. The resulting wine bears the name of the Convent and encapsulates its entire history. The first harvest took place on 6th September 1991.
THE TIMELINE
The history of the Convento dell’Annunciata
Origins
In 1449, the Friars of the Order of the Servants of Mary were granted permission to build a church and adjacent convent dedicated to the Santissima Annunciata on the site of a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This religious order was founded in Florence in the 13th century.
Thus, on the slopes of Monte Orfano, the Convento dell’Annunciata was built in a towering position, 260 metres above sea level. It has a double cloister in an intact, 15th-century form and elegant loggias. On a clear day, the view extends as far as the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and the Piedmont Alps.
The first community of eleven friars was established in 1452, and a valuable wooden panel depicting the Annunciation was installed in the church that same year. Construction work on the Cloister was completed in 1464.
The consecration
The church was completed in 1503 and consecrated in 1507. Between 1535 and 1540, the renowned artist Girolamo Romanino painted the ‘Annunciation’ fresco in the lunette above the altar.
The church subsequently grew in importance, becoming a place of pilgrimage and prayer. Many believers used to climb up to the Convent, particularly for major feasts dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Even St Charles Borromeo, the Archbishop of Milan, was interested in this important place for the local people, visiting the Convent in 1580.
Transitional years
In 1630, the Convent was converted into a hospital to care for victims of the plague. During this time, the walls of the church were disinfected with quicklime, thereby covering the frescoes, which were subsequently only partially restored.
In 1635, the Church acquired its current late Renaissance appearance through the reconstruction of the large nave and the addition of new chapels. In 1642, the convent was extended to the south with a feature typical of Franciacorta farmsteads: a double loggia.
The Convent’s influence in the area continued to grow. Along the slopes of Monte Orfano, the Friars intensified the cultivation of vines, a practice carried out since they settled there in the 15th century. They produced a vin santo that was highly regarded.
Secularisation
n 1772, the Republic of Venice closed down many places of worship, including the Convento dell’Annunciata.
It was sold at auction in 1773 and taken over by a company run by citizens from Rovato and Coccaglio, who converted it into a boarding school for youngsters.
Following several changes of ownership and various uses, including as a hotel and restaurant, the Convent was purchased again in 1870 by the citizens of Rovato. They formed a company chaired by the historian Cesare Cantù.
The return of the friars
In 1960, the Convento dell’Annunciata was returned to the Servants of Mary, who purchased the entire complex and restored its beauty through extensive renovations. On 23rd September 1963, the Friars returned to live in the convent.
In 1984, the friendship between Friar Sebastiano and Vittorio Moretti was strengthened by their shared passion for Franciacorta. Bellavista, the company founded by Moretti in Franciacorta, was entrusted with a portion of the vineyards cultivated by Friar Sebastiano. During this period, a research project began to protect and enhance the ancient Chardonnay vineyard planted by the Friars.
This study recognises the uniqueness of the location and the distinctiveness of the plot of land granted to Bellavista by the Friars. The resulting wine bears the name of the Convent and encapsulates its entire history. The first harvest took place on 6th September 1991.
THE CONVENTO DELL’ANNUNCIATA TODAY
A new life for the Convent
Thanks to a pact of friendship and a special vineyard cultivated by Bellavista here since the 1980s, the Vittorio and Mariella Moretti Foundation has now taken on the responsibility of preserving the tradition of considering this place a cultural and spiritual benchmark and promoting all its values.
Would you like further information?
Our commitment is to open our doors to guests and take care of their stay in harmony with, and with respect for, the history of the Convento dell’Annunciata.
Contact us to find out how you can experience moments of peace and serenity in this enchanting location.
