Il Cielo Aperto

An open sky, a sanctuary of transformation, and a journey beyond traditional meditation.

Ruins possess a quiet elegance, reminding us of the impermanence of human creations and the resilience of what remains. Il Cielo Aperto embraces this narrative, transforming the historic Santa Maria del Piano Abbey into a meditation sanctuary where the past and present converge under an open sky. Grounded in themes of rebirth and spiritual elevation, it redefines meditation through a unique blend of architecture, history, and nature.

The design reimagines the abbey's roof with a wooden grid structure that recalls its original form while leaving it open to the sky. This intervention creates a sacred yet contemporary setting for communal meditation and rituals. Adjacent to the open abbey, the monastery serves as a retreat for meditation education, practical needs, and wine-tasting rituals, with enclosed spaces that balance serenity and functionality. Materials like wood and glass maintain a seamless dialogue with nature, allowing light and shadows to interplay harmoniously.

The project offers a variety of spaces designed for different meditative experiences. The open-air abbey fosters collective meditation under the wooden grid, connecting users to the infinite sky. The monastery houses reflective learning spaces, while the bell tower, accessed after a contemplative journey, provides a secluded meditation area with panoramic views. For longer stays, retreat pods offer privacy and a connection to nature, blending solitude with opportunities for interaction. Lastly, the vineyard, envisioned as a meditative alternative to Zen gardens, invites users to engage in grape harvesting and wine meditation, creating a unique sensory and mindful experience.

Il Cielo Aperto is not merely a restoration; it is a resurrection. A timeless dialogue between light, history, and humanity unfolds under the boundless expanse of an open sky.