Abbazia di San Galgano
San Galganno, in the hilly country at the foot of Monte Siepi, is the only religious house built by the Cistercians in Tuscany. The abbey was founded in 1218, and the building of the church began six years later. It became wealthy and influential, but the 16th century saw the beginning of its decline, soon followed by structural decay. The roof of the church fell in towards the end of the 18th century.
|
Must-see attractions nearby:
|
Things to See
Abbey 
The church, 69m/226ft long, is a classic example of the austere Cistercian style which originated in France but never achieved full acceptance in Italy. On a Latin cross plan, with aisles, it is built partly in travertine and partly in brick. The older part of the nave has four storys, the later part only three. Even in its ruined state the church is still of powerful effect. Of the conventual buildings there survive the chapter-house, refectory and part of the cloister.
San Galgano sul Monte Siepi 
On nearby Monte Siepi (338m/1,109ft) is the little round domed Church of San Galgano sul Monte Siepi. It marks the spot on which a hermit named Galgano Guidotti is said to have died in the 12th century. The church contains notable frescoes by Ambrogio Lorenzetti.
