Santa Maria di Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Gothic cathedral in Chiusure, Italy
Santa Maria di Monte Oliveto Maggiore is a Benedictine monastery nestled in the Tuscan hills, its red brick structures and terracotta roofing blending into the rolling landscape. The complex comprises multiple buildings connected by cloisters, chapels, and monastic chambers organized across spacious grounds.
The monastery was founded in the early 1400s and grew to become the main seat of the Olivetan Benedictines, a reformed monastic order. Its development over subsequent centuries shaped both its physical form and regional influence.
The chapels scattered across the grounds showcase artworks from different periods and reveal how religious life unfolded in this place over time. Visitors walking between the buildings get a sense of how spiritual practice was woven into daily monastic routines through artistic expression.
The monastery sits on a hillside and requires some walking from the parking area, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Access to different areas may vary depending on visiting hours, so checking ahead is helpful before you go.
Inside the monastery are extensive frescoes by Renaissance artists like Sodoma depicting scenes from Saint Benedict's life that many visitors find surprisingly detailed and engaging. These paintings form one of the region's most important collections of religious art from that period.
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