A journey through time and legend, which continues to enchant anyone who approaches it. The Sword in the Stone and the spectacular remains of the ancient Abbey of San Galgano, a fascinating and evocative place
The Abbey of San Galgano and the Hermitage of Montesiepi are tourist and spiritual destinations that attract numerous tourists, history and legend enthusiasts and pilgrims looking for a mystical experience.
The Abbey of San Galgano is a fascinating ruin famous for being one of the first expressions of Gothic architecture in Italy and for its history linked to San Galgano, a Knight who, according to legend, gave up his worldly life to become a hermit.
It was built in the 13th century and consecrated in 1288. Its foundation is linked to the figure of San Galgano Guidotti, a noble knight who, after having renounced his life of comfort and riches, took the Cistercian habit and decided to have a chapel built on Mount Siepi, where in 1180 he chose to die as a hermit.
Subsequently the Cistercian monks built an Oratory and a building in honor of the monk, who became a Saint. This is how the Abbey of San Galgano was born, a splendid monastery, considered today one of the most evocative and prestigious examples of Gothic-Cistercian architecture in Italy.
In 1300 the abbey was devastated by the troops directed by Giovanni Acuto and in 1400 the period of decline began, which then culminated in the decision to abolish the monastic orders.
An extraordinary example of Cistercian Gothic architecture. The structure is characterized by an imposing façade with a large central rose window and a single nave interior with cross vaults.
Only the walls and the apse remain of the old Church, a profile as spectral as it is fascinating, and it is precisely for this reason that, despite its rather isolated position, it attracts thousands of tourists every year.
Despite being in ruins, the Abbey still retains much of its original beauty, with Gothic arches and pointed windows that create an evocative atmosphere.
In addition to the roof, the floor is also missing, which during the summer turns into a grassy surface, while you can still see a transept with three naves and 4 chapels with cross vaults.
Some accessory rooms are also very beautiful and can also be visited with the entrance ticket to the Abbey, including the Chapter Hall, where the monks originally met to decide on the main rules of the community, and the Scriptorium, which was the place where the monks copied the manuscripts.
The Abbey prospered for several centuries, but in the 14th century it began a period of decline due to various factors, including the Black Death and economic difficulties.
In the 16th century, the abbey was finally abandoned and fell into ruin.
Today, the ruins are a popular tourist site and are often used for cultural events and concerts, thanks to their natural acoustics.
The Hermitage of Montesiepi and the Sword in the Stone
A short distance from the Abbey is the Montesiepi Hermitage, inside which the mystery of ‘Excalibur‘ is preserved, the sword that San Galgano stuck in the rock when he decided to leave his noble life to become a hermit.
Galgano stuck his sword into a rock, creating a cross, a gesture reminiscent of the legend of King Arthur and the sword in the stone.
Sticking his sword into the rock represented for Galgano a gesture to use it as a Cross in front of which to sing praises to God
Just four years after his death, in 1185, Pope Lucius III proclaimed him a Saint, while the bishop of Volterra Ugo Saladini ordered that he be buried next to the rock where his sword is still stuck, and that a circular chapel be built on top.
Curiosities
Tens of years ago a tourist tried to pull out the sword, breaking it at the hilt. From that moment, the Sword and the Rock are protected by a shrine.
The Abbey of San Galgano is open to the public and can be visited all year round.
Ideal place for lovers of history, architecture and nature, thanks to its position immersed in the Tuscan landscape.
The nearby Montesiepi Chapel, with the Sword in the Stone, is another unmissable attraction.
If you intend to visit the Abbey of San Galgano, I advise you to check the opening hours and any scheduled activities. It is a place that is definitely worth a visit for its beauty and rich history.
The Great Abbey of San Galgano and the Hermitage of Montesiepi are open to the public every day.
Entrance to the Great Abbey of San Galgano is subject to a fee.
The Montesiepi Hermitage (or San Galgano Hermitage) is open every day from 9.00 to sunset with Free entry and mass takes place every Sunday morning at 11.30.
Abbey of San Galgano
Hermitage of San Galgano
Municipal road of San Galgano
Chiusdino (Siena)
Tuscany – Italy
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