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Ancient Convent of the Observant Franciscans in Labro: a 15th-century cloister, turned into a multipurpose centre
The Antico Convento dei Francescani Osservanti stands just outside Labro, a small hilltop village in the province of Rieti, along the provincial road to Leonessa. Located next to the village cemetery, the complex also includes the church of Madonna della Neve (Our Lady of the Snow), a 15th-century building with a stone portal and rose window on the façade.
A 15th-century church, still standing
The façade is simple. A triangular tympanum, a rose window with an undivided stone frame, a portal that has withstood five centuries of Rieti winters. The masonry is in good condition, which is by no means a given for a building of this age.
The restoration that changed everything
The Ancient Convent of the Observant Franciscans was restored following the footprint of the original walls, using handmade brick in a pale straw-pink tone. The material was already present in the ancient lintels, therefore it was consistent and recognisable. The pre-existing parts are still legible, and that was the point: not to hide the centuries, but to keep them visible within the new outline of the building.
A convent that now puts on a show
The inner courtyard and the conference hall work in synergy with the Teatrino di Labro. Together they form a series of spaces, each different from the next, but all designed for music and theatre. A former Franciscan convent hosting concerts and performances: a successful change of purpose.
