Abbazía di Sant'Ántimo

Must-see attractions nearby: Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta Piazza del Campo Abbazía di Sant'Ántimo Town Hall National Gallery Monte Amiata Palazzo Piccolómini

It dates from the 12th and 13th centuries and shows the uncluttered forms of Romanesque architecture. Built in travertine, it has no transept. The nave, 42m/138ft long, is flanked by aisles which lead into an ambulatory with radial chapels reminiscent of French models. On the north side is a squat campanile, on the south side a chapel dating from the Carolingian period. A notable feature is the richly decorated doorway, set in the otherwise plain facade. The nave is divided from the aisles, above which are galleries, by columns and piers (alternately two columns and one pier). The capitals are richly carved with Romanesque ornament, plant and animal motifs alternating with chequer-board and interlace patterns. Note particularly Daniel in the lions' den on the second column on the right. The three-aisled crypt probably dates from the 11th century.