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Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore: A Timeless Tuscan Sanctuary

Discover the spiritual and artistic treasures of Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore, a historic Benedictine monastery in the heart of Tuscany's Crete Senesi.

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Nestled in the Crete Senesi near Asciano, the Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore is a stunning Benedictine monastery founded in 1313. Known for its striking red-brick buildings against the grey clay hills, it offers a serene escape with remarkable Renaissance frescoes by Luca Signorelli and Il Sodoma, a historic library, and the monks' Gregorian chants.

A brief summary to Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore

  • Monday 9 am-12 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-12 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-12 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-12 pm
  • Friday 9 am-12 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-12 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-12 pm

Local tips

  • Check the abbey's website for the most up-to-date opening hours, as they vary seasonally.
  • Attend the High Mass to experience the monks' Gregorian chants.
  • Explore the wine cellar and sample the monks' own wine.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the gravel paths and exploring the complex.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Siena, follow the SR2 Cassia road south. Exit for Asciano and follow signs to Chiusure and Monte Oliveto Maggiore. The abbey is approximately 10 km south of Asciano. Parking is available in two automated parking areas: Park La Torre (€1.50/hour) and Park Ulivi (€1.00/hour). Both are open 24/7.

  • Public Transport

    From Siena, take bus line 109 towards Asciano. From Asciano, you may need to change to another bus (still line 109) to reach Chiusure. From Chiusure, it's approximately a 2 km walk to the abbey. Bus tickets cost a few euros.

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Discover more about Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore

The Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore, located 36 km south of Siena, stands as a testament to centuries of Benedictine tradition and artistic achievement. Founded in 1313 by the Sienese nobleman Giovanni de' Tolomei (later known as St. Bernard) , the abbey emerged from a desire for solitude and spiritual devotion, evolving into the motherhouse of the Olivetan monks. The abbey's architecture follows the classic Benedictine layout, featuring a church, main and smaller cloisters, a chapter house, and a refectory. The red-brick buildings create a striking contrast with the surrounding Crete Senesi landscape. Visitors enter through a fortified medieval gate with a drawbridge, leading to a cypress-lined avenue. The Great Cloister is adorned with frescoes depicting the life of St. Benedict, painted by Luca Signorelli and Il Sodoma. The church, initially built in the early 15th century and laterBaroque-style, houses notable works such as the inlaid choir stalls by Fra Giovanni da Verona. The abbey also boasts a significant library with ancient manuscripts and a historic pharmacy. Today, the monks continue the Benedictine tradition of "ora et labora" (prayer and work), producing wine, honey, and olive oil. Visitors can attend High Mass with Gregorian chants , explore the artistic treasures, and experience the tranquil atmosphere of this historic monastic complex.

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