Abbey of San Galgano
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 15 January 2024
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The Abbey of San Galgano is a 13th century Cistercian Monastery, built in the Gothic style.
The abbey is situated in the Province of Siena, just over thirty kilometres south of Siena itself. You have to pay €3 to enter the abbey and the opening hours are 09:00 to 18:00 daily but subject to seasonal alteration. |
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By far the most convenient way to visit the abbey is by car; it's a 45 minute driver from Siena or an hour or so from Grosseto which lies to its south. The abbey has its own on-site car park from where it's a 5 minute walk to the main building, along an elegant, cypress tree-lined pathway. If coming by public transport you need to take a train to Siena and then two buses with a journey time of an hour and 38 minutes.
Accommodation options in the area are few, consisting mainly of small, apart-hotels or B&Bs. For a good selection of larger hotels it's best to base yourselves in and around Siena.
Accommodation options in the area are few, consisting mainly of small, apart-hotels or B&Bs. For a good selection of larger hotels it's best to base yourselves in and around Siena.
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The Abbey of San Galgano, known as Abbazia di San Galgano in Italian, is a fascinating historical site located in the Tuscan countryside near the town of Chiusdino, in the province of Siena, Italy. It is renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture and the iconic image of the sword in the stone, making it a popular tourist destination.
The Abbey of San Galgano is now a roofless ruin, but its imposing walls and grand arches are still remarkably intact. The main attraction of the site is the Cistercian Gothic-style Abbey Church, built in the 13th century. The church is laid out in the shape of a Latin cross and features soaring ribbed vaults and pointed arches, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of medieval architecture.
The Abbey's unique feature is the legendary Sword in the Stone, which is said to be the inspiration for the famous Excalibur sword of King Arthur. The sword is embedded in a rock and has become a symbol of both historical and mythical significance.
The Abbey of San Galgano is now a roofless ruin, but its imposing walls and grand arches are still remarkably intact. The main attraction of the site is the Cistercian Gothic-style Abbey Church, built in the 13th century. The church is laid out in the shape of a Latin cross and features soaring ribbed vaults and pointed arches, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of medieval architecture.
The Abbey's unique feature is the legendary Sword in the Stone, which is said to be the inspiration for the famous Excalibur sword of King Arthur. The sword is embedded in a rock and has become a symbol of both historical and mythical significance.
History
The Abbey of San Galgano was founded in the 12th century by Galgano Guidotti, a former knight turned hermit. Galgano is said to have thrust his sword into a stone as a sign of renouncing his violent past and dedicating himself to a life of piety. His tomb is located within the church, and the site quickly became a place of pilgrimage and devotion.
The Abbey flourished as a Cistercian monastery for several centuries until it fell into decline due to political and economic upheavals. In the 16th century, a roof collapse led to the abandonment of the Abbey, and it gradually fell into ruin.
The Abbey flourished as a Cistercian monastery for several centuries until it fell into decline due to political and economic upheavals. In the 16th century, a roof collapse led to the abandonment of the Abbey, and it gradually fell into ruin.
Key features and nearby attractions
- Opening Hours: The site is generally open to visitors year-round. It's recommended to check the specific opening times, especially during the off-season.
- Entrance Fee: There might be a small entrance fee to access the Abbey, which often goes towards its maintenance and preservation.
- Accessibility: The Abbey is a roofless ruin with uneven terrain, so it may not be fully accessible to visitors with mobility issues.
- Surrounding Area: The countryside surrounding the Abbey is picturesque and ideal for leisurely walks or picnics.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours may be available, offering visitors a deeper insight into the history and legends surrounding the Abbey.
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Opening-times:
Mon - Sun: 09:00 - 18:00 |
Prices:
Adults: €3 |
Abbazia di San Galgano
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Comune: Chiusdino
Province: Siena Region: Tuscany Built: 13th century Architectural style: Italian Gothic Parking: free, on-site car park, five minute walk from abbey Public transport: train to Siena then 2 buses - 1 hr 38 mins By car: Siena - 44 minutes, Grosseto - 1 hr 2 mins, Arezzo - 1 hr 32, Fly to: Florence Airport - 1 hr 20 minutes by car (95 km) Close by: Massa Marittima, Siena, Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina Recommended accommodation: Casale San Galgano |
