Chiesa di San Caprasio Aulla is a historic church and monastery in the town’s centre, with an archaeological museum housed in the complex. From Demy Hotel near Aulla’s centre, it is about an 11-minute walk.
- Location: Piazza Abbazia, Aulla.
- Museum hours: Daily, 9:00–12:00 and 15:00–18:00, according to the museum’s published schedule.
- On site: The church complex includes the Museo di San Caprasio.
- Access: The Comune says there is a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking.
The church in Aulla’s historic setting
The Abbey of San Caprasio stands in Aulla’s historic centre, at Piazza Abbazia, 54011 Aulla (MS). Founded where the Magra River meets the Aulella, it has been part of the town’s religious history for centuries.
Adalberto I, Marquess of Tuscany, founded the church and monastery in 884 and dedicated them to Saint Mary of the Assumption. The Comune says the church had been dedicated to San Caprasio from 1050. Extensive damage during the Second World War was followed by restoration, which returned the church to a three-nave layout.
The complex also houses the Museo di San Caprasio, where archaeological finds date from the 8th century BC and medieval capitals are among the objects on display. The old tomb of San Caprasio is visible in the abbey apse.
Planning a visit
The museum’s published hours are daily from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00. If you are visiting with a group, book in advance through the museum’s official contact channels; the museum provides phone number +39 0187 420148 and email museo@sancaprasio.it.
The Comune says the entrance and parking are wheelchair-accessible. The regional tourism listing also describes the abbey as accessible to disabled visitors.
What to verify before arrival
Published opening hours vary, so check the official site before you go. The museum schedule is 9:00–12:00 and 15:00–18:00; other published hours for the church are 7:00–18:00 and 08:00–18:00.
Church services are a separate consideration from museum opening. Weekday services are at 17:00 in winter and 18:00 in summer. Sunday Mass is listed at 11:15, with an additional service at 17:00 in winter or 18:00 in summer; another regional listing gives holiday Mass at 11:00. If you are planning around a service, confirm the schedule with the parish.
Nearby sights to combine
Use the church as one stop in a walk around Aulla’s centre, then plan other visits separately. The Aulla guide to the town centre and sights offers a broader overview of the town.
Aulla’s historic centre also has the Festa di San Caprasio each year: Vespers and a procession take place on 31 May, followed by Eucharistic celebrations and a market fair on 1 June.
For a different chapter of local history, the Fortezza della Brunella visit guide covers Aulla’s hilltop fortress.
FAQs
What can you see at San Caprasio Abbey?
The complex includes the church, the visible old tomb of San Caprasio in the apse, and the Museo di San Caprasio. The museum includes archaeological finds dating from the 8th century BC and medieval capitals.
Does the museum open every day?
The museum’s published schedule is daily, 9:00–12:00 and 15:00–18:00. Published hours differ, so check the official site before you go.
Do groups need to book ahead?
Yes. The museum asks groups to book in advance and provides contact details for enquiries.
Is there an annual observance at the abbey?
The Festa di San Caprasio is an annual observance, with Vespers and a procession through Aulla’s historic centre on 31 May, followed by Eucharistic celebrations and a market fair on 1 June.