Mugnano, the ancient commandery of San BenedettoIn Umbria, by the Benedictine abbey granted to the Knights of Malta


Holstein Friesian cattle farmingFor top-quality milk, with care for animal welfare


Pastures and forage in the green heart of UmbriaGrown with sustainable methods to feed the herd


Mugnano

Agricultural estate in the heart of Umbria, near Perugia

Beside the ancient abbey of San Benedetto, the Mugnano estate is a model of agricultural innovation and sustainability: here we raise Holstein Friesian cattle, producing milk of the highest quality.

A history that binds the Umbrian land to the centuries-old tradition of the Knights, enriching the range of Terre dei Cavalieri.

At a glance

One land, one history

UmbriaEstate near Perugia
FriesianThe breed we raise
MilkExcellence in production
Year 1000The abbey's origins

Agricultural innovation and sustainability

At Mugnano, farming tradition meets innovation: we grow the forage that feeds the herd and manage the livestock with sustainable methods, attentive to animal welfare and the natural cycles of the land.

Holstein Friesian cattle
Livestock

Holstein Friesian cattle

At the Mugnano estate we raise Holstein Friesian cattle, the most widespread dairy breed in the world. A carefully managed operation, where animal welfare and controlled feeding are the foundation of an outstanding raw material.

Milk of the highest quality
Milk

Milk of the highest quality

From the herd comes milk of the highest quality, the result of daily work made of attention, controls and respect for the animals. A production that brings to Terre dei Cavalieri all the authenticity of the Umbrian countryside.

Forage grown on the estate
Sustainability

Forage grown on the estate

The supply chain starts from the land: at Mugnano we grow forage and cereals for feeding the herd, for an integrated and sustainable production that reduces waste and makes the most of the territory’s resources.

San Benedetto, a commandery of the Knights

The estate stands beside the ancient Benedictine abbey of San Benedetto di Mugnano, a powerful monastic centre from the year 1000. As the monastery declined, in the 14th century it was given in commandery to the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem — today the Sovereign Military Order of Malta — who made it part of their agricultural heritage in Umbria, still managed today.

History

A bond that spans the centuries


9th–10th c.

The Benedictine monks

The Benedictine monks settle in Mugnano and, applying the Rule of Saint Benedict, transform the wild territory into an oasis of industry and prosperity.


1008

A powerful abbey

A deed of donation by Count Offredo to Placido, prior of the abbey of Mugnano, grants it lands and privileges: an important Benedictine abbey is born, a point of reference for the Perugia area until the 14th century.


14th century

The commandery of the Knights

As the monastery declined, San Benedetto di Mugnano was given in commandery to the Knights of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem — today the Order of Malta: the abbey church became a parish and the monastery a residence for the knights.


Today

Mugnano, in the Terre dei Cavalieri

The Order still manages the agricultural enterprise in the Mugnano area today: Holstein Friesian cattle farming, outstanding milk, innovation and sustainability. The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is today a subject of international law, with diplomatic relations with more than 100 States.


Gallery

The estate in pictures

Part of Terre dei Cavalieri

Mugnano is one of the historic estates of Terre dei Cavalieri: discover the Order's entire agricultural heritage and its products.