Abbazia di San Lorenzo al Lanzo, Romanesque abbey in Civitella Paganico, Italy.
Abbazia di San Lorenzo al Lanzo is a Romanesque abbey in Civitella Paganico with a central nave and a porch-fronted facade positioned near the Lanzo River. The restored structure preserves the characteristic architectural features of the period, including its decorative column capitals and original stone work.
The Ardengheschi family established the monastery in the 12th century near their fortress, which later became connected to the abbey as it developed. Over time, the site grew into a significant religious center in the region.
The carved capitals at the entrance columns feature grotesque figures and animals, showing how medieval craftspeople decorated religious buildings with imaginative designs.
The building stands along a former trade route that once connected Siena to Porto Ercole, making it accessible from both directions. Plan your visit for a quiet countryside setting away from major urban centers, where you can explore at a leisurely pace.
A major storm in 2005 caused the roof to collapse, leading to a complete restoration completed in 2008. This recovery work revealed and preserved details that might otherwise have been lost, reviving the structure for visitors today.
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