Maguzzano Abbey Desenzano: Historical Profile

Maguzzano Abbey Desenzano Renaissance Cloister
The historic Renaissance cloister and garden of Maguzzano Abbey near Desenzano del Garda.

ABBAZIA DI MAGUZZANO – Historical Notes

The origins of the Abbey date back to the 9th century, when Benedictine monks founded a small abbey in a strategic position, close to Verona and Brescia.

Over the centuries, the abbey experienced alternating periods: moments of monastic prosperity alternated with wars, sackings, and destructions, followed by subsequent reconstructions. Suppressed by Napoleon in 1797. The rebirth began in 1904, when French Cistercian Trappist monks coming from Algeria purchased and recovered the monastery. In 1938, the abbey was acquired by Don Giovanni Calabria, later proclaimed a saint, who gave it new spiritual impetus.

Today Maguzzano is a living center that unites past and present: it hosts a male community and a female community of the Don Calabria Institute and promotes cultural activities, seminars, and meetings of an ecumenical and interreligious nature, also favoring dialogue with Orthodox and Lutherans and moments of shared Christian prayer.

The Abbey is organized to welcome individuals, families, and groups, offering accommodation and equipped spaces for meetings, conferences, training, cultural, and musical activities.

Proposals for Summer 2026 PAX ET BONUM – Saint Francis: 8 centuries of a desire for Peace

THURSDAYS AT THE MONASTERY – JULY & AUGUST 2026

Every Thursday in July and August, the Abbey opens its doors to anyone wishing to spend a day of spirituality and sharing.

July 30, 2026

History and spirituality of Saint Luigi Gonzaga

Mons. Giangiacomo Sarzi Sartori, parish priest of Castiglione d/S (BS)

August 06, 2026

Our sister death. Remaining human in the most fragile moment.

Don Miguel A. Tofful, psdp – Sacro Cuore Hospital, Negrar

August 13, 2026

Gospel “sine glossa”. Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Giovanni Calabria: the Gospel lived among the least

Don Giacomo Cordioli, psdp – S. Giovanni Calabria Sanctuary, Verona

August 20, 2026

Chiara Lubich and the Charism of Unity

Umberta Fabris, Focolarina – Verona

Program: 9:30 AM Welcome | 9:45 AM Moment of prayer | 10:00 AM Presentation of a theme (followed by a moment of silence) | 11:30 AM Sharing | 12:30 PM Lunch | 3:30 PM Meditated rosary at the Madonna degli Olivi

P. S.: Reservation required for those having lunch at the Abbey.

Other proposals:

MUSIC & THEATER

August 01

“Young trumpeters in concert”

Classical music – Prof. Bardelloni – Mantua.

August 08 at 8:45 PM

Light of the North – Sacred music concert

Kammerchor Choir (Germany)

August 22

“Elegy of the Lost Angel”

With Manuela Carretta, Renato Perina and Sandra Botto.

Dramaturgical text by Renato Perina

August 29

Happy hour, big wow!

Staging and dramaturgy, Renato Perina

Every Sunday at 4:00 PM Guided tour of the Abbey (no reservation required). Other days, only for groups by appointment.

Address: Via Maccarona, 8 – Loc. Maguzzano – 25017 Lonato del Garda (BS)

Tel. 030.913 0182 – for hospitality cell. 344.442 4777

Email: abbaziadimaguzzano@gmail.com Website: www.abbaziadimaguzzano.it

Read more from GN Magazine – August 2026

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