Santa Maria di Mirteto

Santa Maria di Mirteto is a monastic complex at 300 meters elevation in Monte Pisano with a Romanesque church, monks' buildings, residences, storage structures, and an olive mill. The site contains multiple stone buildings from different periods that together form a complete monastery settlement.

The complex is documented from 1150 and received confirmation in 1227 through a papal bull from Pope Gregory IX as a Cistercian monastic community. This authorization was crucial for the long-term stability and development of the monks' settlement.

The church displays early medieval stonework and narrow windows on the southern wall and apse that are typical of Pisan Romanesque design. These architectural details show how craftspeople worked at this location for centuries.

The site is reachable via a hiking trail starting from Asciano village, following a stream alongside water sources for roughly three kilometers. The path climbs steadily uphill, so bring proper walking shoes and allow adequate time for the journey.

The complex remained inhabited until the 1950s when the last residents departed and the buildings gradually fell into disrepair. Around 1812 the church also served as a private chapel for the Ricci family before it was completely abandoned.