Abbey of San Galgano, Gothic monastery in Chiusdino, Italy
The medieval stone structure stands without a roof, revealing the complete interior layout of its nave, transept, and rectangular chapels.
Construction of this Cistercian monastery started in 1220 and continued for sixty years under the support of the Republic of Siena.
The monastery contains architectural elements that represent the transition from Romanesque to Gothic style in thirteenth-century Italian religious buildings.
Visitors can access the monastery grounds daily, with guided tours available to explore both the main abbey and the nearby Montesiepi chapel.
The sword embedded in stone at the adjacent Montesiepi chapel connects to the story of Saint Galgano, a knight who renounced warfare.
Location: Chiusdino
Inception: 13 century
Architectural style: Gothic architecture
Website: http://confraternita-sangalgano.it
GPS coordinates: 43.14942,11.15506
Latest update: May 26, 2025 19:50
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 situated in notable locations: Mont-Saint-Michel rises on its rocky islet surrounded by tides, Meteora monasteries overlook the Thessalian plain from their sandstone pinnacles, while Kylemore Abbey reflects in the waters of Connemara. Many of these sites retain their original religious purpose. Monks still inhabit Sainte-Catherine in Sinai, Rila in Bulgaria, and Kylemore in Ireland. Others, like San Galgano in Tuscany, have lost their roofs and inhabitants but still bear witness to the scale of medieval constructions. Visitors can explore Wiblingen's baroque libraries, walk through the underground tunnels of Petchersk Lavra, or admire the royal tombs at Alcobaça Monastery. Each structure tells a part of the continent's religious and architectural history.
Eremo di Montesiepi
334 m
Birthplace of San Galgano
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Belagaio Castle
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Riserva naturale La Pietra
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Castello di Frosini
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Museo civico e diocesano di arte sacra di San Galgano
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San Magno a Montalcinello
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San Giovanni Battista
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Porta Maremmana
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