Abbey of San Galgano, Gothic monastery in Chiusdino, Italy
Description
The Abbey of San Galgano is a Gothic style monastery in Chiusdino, Italy, that now stands without a roof and exposes the complete internal structure. The brick and travertine walls rise from the ground and frame the central aisle and side chapels, while grass grows where tiles once lay.
History
Monks of the Cistercian order began construction around 1220 and worked until approximately 1280 to complete the complex. Over the centuries the buildings declined through looting and the roof collapsed in the 18th century.
Culture
The name comes from a local knight of the 12th century who withdrew from worldly life and became a hermit. On summer days visitors use the open space for concerts and performances, while light falls through the empty window frames.
Practical
The complex lies in the rural landscape outside Chiusdino and can be reached by a winding road. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear, as the ground inside the ruin is uneven and consists of grass and stones.
Did you know?
In the nearby round chapel of Montesiepi a real sword is embedded in rock, said by tradition to have been thrust there by a knight. The site has served multiple times as a filming location for movies and music videos that wanted to use the open structure and light.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Chiusdino).
European religious architecture spans over a thousand years, from the Middle Ages to the present day. This collection includes monasteries and buildings constructed in a variety of styles, from Romanesque to Gothic, Baroque to Rococo, and innovative modern designs still under development. Some are...
Eremo di Montesiepi
334 m
Birthplace of San Galgano
5.5 km
Belagaio Castle
9.4 km
Riserva naturale La Pietra
8.8 km
Castello di Frosini
6.3 km
Museo civico e diocesano di arte sacra di San Galgano
5.5 km
San Michele Arcangelo
5.5 km
Villa Spannocchi
5.5 km
San Martino
5.5 km
San Sebastiano
5.5 km
Madonna delle Grazie
5.3 km
Castiglion Balzetti
7 km
Santa Maria delle Grazie
9.3 km
Santi Giusto e Clemente
2.3 km
Santa Maria
5.3 km
Santa Maria Assunta
6.8 km
Molino del Pero
9.1 km
Santi Pietro e Paolo
2.3 km
San Magno a Montalcinello
8.2 km
San Giovanni Battista
8.3 km
Immacolata Concezione e dei Santi Fabiano e Sebastiano
8.4 km
San Biagio
6.8 km
Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta a Tocchi
8.8 km
Madonna del Buon Consiglio
6.2 km
San Michele Arcangelo a Brenna
8.7 km
Santa Maria in Canonica
2.1 km
Porta Maremmana
2.2 km
Sant'Agostino
2.3 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes