CONVENTO MICHETTI IN CHIETI

Convento Michetti is a National Monument and former 15th-century Franciscan convent located in Francavilla al Mare in the province of Chieti. The Church of Santa Maria del Gesù is also part of the Convent complex. More commonly referred to as St. Anthony of Padua, the church operates under the supervision of the Parish of Santa Maria Maggiore.

THE HISTORY OF CONVENTO MICHETTI

A former Franciscan convent, dating back to around 1450 and located in Francavilla al Mare in the province of Chieti, Convento Michetti was purchased in 1885 by painter Francesco Paolo Michetti, who transformed it into his home studio. The Convent became the centre of the “Cenacolo Michettiano”, a sort of cenacle for men of letters, artists and intellectuals of the highest calibre who shared their experiences of life and thought, including Francesco Paolo Tosti, Matilde Serao, Edoardo Scarfoglio and many others. It was here that Gabriele D’Annunzio wrote his first novel “Il Piacere” (‘Pleasure’). In 1939, it became a National Monument by order of King Vittorio Emanuele III. The Michetti Convent is still inhabited today by the descendants of the painter who, through continuous conservative restoration work, have thus preserved it in its original state. This includes the core section of the cloister with the two large windows created by the artist that look out over the garden and the sea, the pure white refectory, and the garden area, which was designed by Donna Annunziata Michetti and features majestic hedges that shield the citrus grove from the sea breeze, as well as a large cistern basin that collects water from the hillside spring. The entire complex is surrounded by a spectacular view of the sea. For years, Convento Michetti was home to the prestigious Michetti Prize, and it hosts numerous artistic and cultural events.

PRIVATE AND CULTURAL EVENTS AT CONVENTO MICHETTI IN FRANCAVILLE AL MARE

The Convent is an ideal place to hold a private or cultural event in Francavilla al Mare. The residence can accommodate up to 200 guests and there are 80 seats in the interior halls. Celebrate your event in this unforgettable historical setting with its verdant garden and a magnificent sea view.