Upon mounting the stairs, we reach the anti-portico of the upper cloister.

In the two bardiglio marble niches, are placed the XVII century's statues of Urban V (the Benedictine Pope who did so much to rebuild the Abbey after the earthquake of 1349) by the sculptor P. Campi of Carrara, and of Pope Clemens XI, who made generous donations to the Abbey. The latter statue is by the Paduan sculptor F. Maratti.

When looking down, the vast and solemn view is enhanced by the almost etherial "Paradise Loggia" above the arcade of Central Cloister.

Images available in this page:

Paradise Loggia Paradise Loggia seen by the anti-portico (457x510, 107K)

Now you can visit:

• the Cloister of Bramante;
• the Benefactors' Cloister;