San Vivaldo Monastery, Montaione, Renaissance convent and calvary in Montaione, Italy.
San Vivaldo Monastery is a Renaissance complex with eighteen chapels arranged on a hillside. Each chapel corresponds to a sacred location in the Holy Land and contains painted statuary and religious artworks.
The monastery began in 1325 with a chapel built at the spot where Franciscan tertiary Vivaldo died. Between 1326 and 1355 it expanded into a full monastic complex with a church and multiple chapels.
The chapels hold painted statues depicting scenes from the life of Christ and the saints. These carved figures helped pilgrims experience sacred moments without traveling to distant lands.
A visit generally requires advance booking, particularly from Monday through Saturday. On Sundays and holidays access is offered at set times, so checking ahead is recommended before going.
The complex is often called the 'Jerusalem of Tuscany' because Franciscan friars designed it to recreate sacred locations for pilgrims. This allowed visitors to experience a spiritual journey without the expense and hardship of actual travel.
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