San Galgano Abbey
Located in the Tuscan countryside about 25 miles south of Siena and in between the medieval cities of Chiusdino and Monticiano, lies the remaining walls and ruins of the San Galgano Abbey. The San Galgano Abbey was built in the early 1200s by monks who occupied the area. The city was later abandoned by the monks in the early 15th century due to the struggles from the famine and the plague. The monks were forced to relocate to Siena.
The building is unique today because it no longer has a roof due to structural complications and decay. When the monks were in financial trouble they sold all of their treasures and riches, including the lead used to build the roof. This caused trouble, after the removal of the lead because lightning struck the bell tower which caused a collapse on the remains of the roof. The Abbey is popular for tourists due to the open ceiling and windows. When you enter the Abbey, it is unlike any other building, there are just rustic walls surrounding you. The lack of covering above and empty windows gives it an open feeling.
The noble knight, Galgano Guidotti, became a Cistercian monk and erected a chapel on Montesiepi. The Hermitage of Monte Siepi is where Galgano lived as a hermit for the remainder of his life. The monks dedicated the Abbey and the Hermitage to Galgano, who became a saint.
The nearby Monte Siepi Hermitage holds the mysterious “Excalibur” that Galgano had plunged into stone to create a cross for his faith and to declare peace for his new life. The legend says anyone who can pull the sword out of the stone is the “chosen one”. Although it is unknown how he was able to stick the sword into the rock, the rock is very hard and it would be challenging to break the rock to pull it out. He gained a lot of respect from this gesture and legends claim the sword in the stone could be related to King Arthur.
REASONS TO
VISIT SIENA
Siena is located approximately 48.5 miles south of Florence, Italy. Siena became a roman colony in 27 BC, and flourished as a center of commerce and banking. It is well known for its gothic medieval architecture and its famous for its Palio, a competitive horse race that’s held in the Piazza del Campo. The Piazza del Campo is the main square of Siena and is known for its shell shaped design. The Palio race has been a tradition since the 17th century and the different neighborhoods, called “Contrade”, all participate to see which contrade wins. Each contrade has its own colors, emblem, and unique traditions that started a long time ago. When you walk around Siena you can see the different flags and contrade names on the streets. The race occurs two times each year.
Siena is also well known for its beautiful cathedral which is also known as the duomo di Siena. The exterior of the duomo is beautiful and the detail of the cathedral inside is absolutely breathtaking. The columns on the inside are striped and the details are incredible. If you walk around Siena, there is a beautiful viewpoint of the Cathedral when you get close to The Basilica of San Domenico. The Basilica Cateriniana of San Domenico in Siena was built between 1225 and 1265 and is a perfect example of the gothic architecture. It is a great way to see the depth of the cathedral and the city of Siena.
Be sure to check out one of the most beautiful medieval towns, Siena, for more information about the historical sites. Visit our website to see the different tours we have to offer or the link below to sign up.
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