Trip to San Galgano

The famous Cistercian abbey of San Galgano in the Merse Valley, nestling in beautiful surroundings, is our first stop.

Built in pure 13th century French Gothic architecture, the abbey had its ups and downs in later centuries. The sale of the lead roof in the 16th century lead to the collapse the roof. Today the Abbey of San Galgano is one of the main attractions in Tuscany, perhaps because of the very same missing roof.

Next door we’ll visit the small chapel of Monte Siepi. It was built shortly after the death of St Galgano Guidotti, who lived here in the 12th century as a hermit. Even today the saint’s sword can still be seen stuck into the rock - and many have tried to pull it out.

St. Galgano was born in the nearby village of Chiusdino, which has a wonderfully preserved medieval town center. We round off the tour here with a visit to his birthplace and the former castle of the Bishops of Volterra.

Tip:
In summertime, the abbey of San Galgano often hosts concerts open to the night sky.

Galery

Informations

Meeting Point:	San Galgano
Duration:	half day
Distance:	ca. 35 km southwest of Siena, by own car
Price:	165 € per group

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