“In opus suum laborent”. Note sul lavoro monastico nell’alto medioevo

Goods, patrimonies and cloistered rights served the functioning of monasteries, the sustenance of communities, hospitality and charity. These possessions allowed the material life of hermitages and cenobies, they were located inside and outside the monastery walls and it was the monks' duty to ensure their good administration in the common interest. Work activities were, therefore, connected to their management but also had a spiritual and ascetic function. The contribution retraces the different aspects linked to manual and intellectual work, especially in the Benedictine rule.