Badia a Coltibuono

Now converted into a splendid villa, the former single-aisled Badia a Coltibuono about 5km/3mi north of Gaiole is still a fine example of Romanesque architecture. Consecrated in 1049, in 1402 it was taken over by Benedictine monks from Vallombrosa who renovated the cloister and the residential and domestic buildings. Between 1810 and 1842 the by then secularized property was managed as an estate. (First-class restaurant and best quality olive oil.)