The Monastery

The monastery is located in the S. Martino valley in the province of Bergamo. Being the only male monastery in the Bergamo diocese, it has become a spiritual reference point for those who want moments of reflection, prayer, silence and meditation. The monastic complex, rich in history and art, is also a destination for tourists who, accompanied by the monks, can contemplate its artistic beauty to rediscover the sense of spirituality that it preserves.

The History

The monastery of S. Giacomo di Pontida, in the diocese of Bergamo, was established as a Cluniac priory in 1076 on the initiative of the Bergamasco feudatory Alberto da Prezzate (+1095), who became its first prior and was venerated as a saint. Entrusted by Abbot Ugo di Cluny to organize the Cluniac foundation in Lombardy, Alberto da Prezzate obtained for himself and his successors the title of prior major and by virtue of which the superior of Pontida held the position of vicar of the abbot of Cluny for all the Lombard priories.
At the end of the XIII century, after two centuries of prosperity, the monastery began to decline when it was given in commendam to Cardinal Guglielmo de Longhi of Adrara. Destroyed and plundered in 1373 during the wars between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines, it rose again at the end of the XV century thanks to the initiative of the Republic of Venice, which in 1491 obtained from Innocent VIII the integration of the observance of S. Giustina of Padua into its congregation. Innocent VIII made it flourish again by having it re-built in Renaissance style. But in 1798 it was suppressed by decree of Napoleon Bonaparte and reduced to a parish entrusted to the secular clergy. It was re-opened in 1910 by the Cassinese Congregation with three monks from the abbey of St. Paul in Rome. In 1946, it was again given the classification of abbey.

The Activities

• Guest House – Single people (men only) are welcome for a moment of reflection and prayer or even to help young people in search of their vocation. The spirituality centre hosts mixed groups who want a place where it is possible to pray independently and have an atmosphere of silence and recollection.
• Miniature on scrolls – Upon request the monks inscribe scrolls with illustrations and different calligraphies.
• Pastoral activity – In addition to hospitality, the community is entrusted with the pastoral care of Saints Giacomo and Giorgio parish.
• Liturgical Calendar – Every year the liturgical calendar is prepared for use by the Italian Province of our Congregation.
• Library – Created for the monastic community, it is consulted by scholars and students. It has about 60,000 volumes including a vast collection of ancient manuscripts and books.