Abbey of San Galgano, Gothic monastery in Chiusdino, Italy
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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