The Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore is located in the beautiful area of Crete Senesi in the eastern part of the Sienese countryside and is not to be missed! Perched by an ancient forest and full of cultural, historical and artistic value, it is a fascinating and stunning place. Just find a villa with pool in Siena and spend a day exploring this gem, far off the beaten tourist path and away from lines and crowds.
The abbey was founded in 1313 by Sienese citizen Bernardo Tolomei who retired there after he converted to the Benedictine order. Years later construction of the Abbey began and was worked on over centuries to create the gorgeous complex that exists today. One of the main components of the complex is the church, which was constructed in the beginning of the 15th century. In the 18th century, however, the interior was updated and transformed into the baroque style.
The abbey was founded in 1313 by Sienese citizen Bernardo Tolomei who retired there after he converted to the Benedictine order. Years later construction of the Abbey began and was worked on over centuries to create the gorgeous complex that exists today. One of the main components of the complex is the church, which was constructed in the beginning of the 15th century. In the 18th century, however, the interior was updated and transformed into the baroque style.
The building is a Latin cross in plan and features a beautifully carved and inlaid wooden choir, a masterpiece made by Fra Giovanni da Verona in the 16th century and one of the greatest examples of inlay work in the world. There are also works by many famous artists in the Great Cloister, the church and the surrounding rooms and buildings. This is where you will find 35 frescoes that cover the entire surface of the four sides of the cloister and depict the life of St. Benedict. Artists who worked on these frescoes include Luca Signorelli (from 1497 to 1498) and then Antonio Bazzi (after 1505). They are not to be missed and are considered great masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance.
The Abbey is entered through a massive fortified medieval building with a square tower and a drawbridge and above the entrance there is a beautiful Madonna and Child in glazed terracotta that is most likely from the famous Della Robbia family production.
The Abbey is entered through a massive fortified medieval building with a square tower and a drawbridge and above the entrance there is a beautiful Madonna and Child in glazed terracotta that is most likely from the famous Della Robbia family production.
This building now houses a restaurant and bar with an outside terrace where you can dine or sit out with a coffee or glass of wine, as you take in the lovely surroundings. Then, be sure to head along the avenue lined with cypress trees and stop by the large 16th century fish pool. At the end of the path, the abbey itself emerges.
In the upper courtyard on the side of the church you will find a shop with souvenirs and some products from the farm of the Abbey and a wine cellar below the cloister, where you can try out some wine tasting for free.
With so much to see and do in this one little spot, it really makes for a perfect day out if you are exploring Siena and Tuscany and are looking for something a little different to do.
In the upper courtyard on the side of the church you will find a shop with souvenirs and some products from the farm of the Abbey and a wine cellar below the cloister, where you can try out some wine tasting for free.
With so much to see and do in this one little spot, it really makes for a perfect day out if you are exploring Siena and Tuscany and are looking for something a little different to do.
Photo credits
picture 1: Acer11 / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Sailko / CC BY 3.0
picture 1: Acer11 / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Sailko / CC BY 3.0
