The Monastery of San Vittore Alle Chiuse, Genga, Italy 1011

The Monastery of San Vittore Alle Chiuse was built in Genga, Italy, sometime between 1000 and 1250, during the Romanesque period. Here, the tower looms prominently, a symbol of strength and vigilance, recalling ancient watchtowers and fortifications. The tower connects us to the human need for safety and spiritual elevation, and mirrors the Tower of Babel, an eternal quest to reach the divine. Notice the rounded arches and sturdy walls, features that evoke a sense of stability, continuity, and permanence. These elements are seen in ancient Roman structures and early Christian basilicas. This architectural language is cyclical, where forms and symbols reappear in new contexts. The subconscious drive to create enduring structures connects us with our ancestors, echoing their hopes and fears. The monastery conveys a sense of timelessness that binds us to the past.