FINALPIA, ABBEY OF S. MARIA. — In Liguria, founded in 1477 by the marquis Biagio Galeotto del Carretto, near the sanctuary that housed the venerated and ancient image of Maria Pia, painted on wood. From the outset it was entrusted to the Olivetan monks, who remained there, after overcoming the period of Napoleonic suppression (1799–1819), until 1843. At the request of King Carlo Alberto, it then passed to the Cassinese Congregation (1844). In 1855 it was struck by a new suppression, and the community could only be reconstituted in 1905.
The image, venerated by Popes Innocent IV, Paul III, and Pius VII, by Emperor Charles V, and by other sovereigns, was solemnly crowned in 1920; the following year saw the inauguration of the work to complete the cloister, which was finished in 1922. In that same year the abbey took over the direction of the Rivista Liturgica, so meritorious for the revival of such studies.
The only surviving remnant of the ancient sanctuary is the twelfth-century bell tower. Notable also are some della Robbia ceramics and the panels of the sacristy cupboards.