Discover the Legend and Beauty of San Galgano: A Visitor’s Guide to the Abbey
San Galgano Abbey is one of Tuscany’s most arresting ruins: a monumental Gothic church standing intact from the waist up, yet completely open to the sky.
There is no roof, no glass in the windows and almost no religious decoration. Sunlight replaces chandeliers, clouds move above the nave and grass grows where Cistercian monks once crossed the church in silence. What remains is not a picturesque fragment but the full architectural skeleton of a medieval abbey, isolated among fields and wooded hills southwest of Siena.
A short walk uphill leads to an even stranger sight. Inside the circular Hermitage of Montesiepi, or Eremo di Montesiepi, a 12th-century sword remains embedded in a rock. According to tradition, the knight Galgano Guidotti plunged it into the stone after renouncing violence and worldly ambition. The hilt formed a cross, and the weapon became the symbol of his conversion.
The story inevitably recalls Excalibur, but San Galgano is not an Italian imitation of Arthurian legend. The Tuscan tradition is rooted in a real medieval figure, a religious cult documented from the late 12th century and a sword whose form is compatible with that period.
Together, the abbey and hermitage create one of the most unusual historical visits in central Italy. You come for the roofless Gothic architecture, stay for the sword in the stone and leave with a much clearer sense of how history, faith and legend overlap in the Tuscan countryside.
Where Is San Galgano Abbey?
The Abbey of San Galgano, known in Italian as the Abbazia di San Galgano, lies in the municipality of Chiusdino, in the province of Siena.
It stands in the Val di Merse, a green and relatively quiet area between the better-known landscapes of Siena, the Metalliferous Hills and the Maremma.
The site is approximately:
35 kilometres from Siena
75 kilometres from San Gimignano
90 kilometres from Florence
65 kilometres from Volterra
80 kilometres from Grosseto
The isolated setting is part of the appeal. Unlike many Tuscan churches, San Galgano is not enclosed within a historic town. The abbey rises directly from open countryside, surrounded by fields, cypress trees, woods and low hills.
The nearby village of Chiusdino is closely connected with the saint’s life and contains his traditional birthplace as well as the Civic and Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art.
Who Was Saint Galgano?
Galgano Guidotti was born in Chiusdino during the 12th century, probably around 1148.
The historical record is intertwined with hagiography, but the broad outline presents him as a young knight who initially embraced privilege, military culture and worldly pleasures. After a series of visions, he abandoned his former life and withdrew to the hill of Montesiepi.
According to tradition, Galgano attempted to demonstrate that renouncing violence would be as difficult as splitting stone with a sword. When he struck the rock, however, the blade entered it effortlessly.
The sword became a cross before which he could pray. Galgano then lived as a hermit on the hill until his death in 1181.
His reputation for holiness spread rapidly. Pope Lucius III opened a formal investigation into his life and miracles, and Galgano’s cult developed within only a few years of his death.
This speed matters. The legend was not invented centuries later to attract visitors. It formed around a medieval religious figure whose existence and veneration were documented close to his lifetime.
The Sword in the Stone at Montesiepi
The sword stands inside the Rotunda of Montesiepi, embedded in the rock at the centre of the chapel and now protected beneath a transparent cover.
Only the hilt and upper portion remain visible. The blade extends into the stone below.
Scientific examinations have indicated that the weapon’s metallic composition and shape are consistent with a 12th-century sword. This does not prove every detail of the legend, but it strongly suggests that the object is not a modern theatrical fabrication.
The similarity with the Arthurian sword in the stone has inspired endless speculation. Some theories propose that stories connected with San Galgano travelled north and influenced later versions of the Arthurian cycle. Others note that sword symbolism was already widespread in medieval Europe and that direct influence cannot be established.
The honest conclusion is more interesting than a forced answer. San Galgano’s sword is a genuine medieval object connected with a local saint and preserved in the location traditionally associated with his hermitage. Whether it helped shape the Excalibur story remains uncertain.
Visit the Hermitage of Montesiepi
The Eremo di Montesiepi stands on a low hill a few hundred metres above the abbey.
The circular chapel was constructed soon after Galgano’s death, probably between 1182 and 1185, around the site where he had lived as a hermit. Its unusual round plan distinguishes it immediately from conventional Tuscan churches.
The exterior alternates bands of stone and brick, while the interior is covered by a concentric domed vault. The rhythm of the masonry draws the eye towards the centre, where the sword rises from the rock.
The chapel is small, and its atmosphere changes rapidly according to the number of visitors. Early in the morning, it can feel austere and intimate. At busy times, the limited space becomes crowded and the sword may be surrounded by people waiting to take photographs.
Move beyond the central relic and examine the architecture. The geometric simplicity, circular plan and striped masonry create a space that feels both Romanesque and unexpectedly modern.
The Lorenzetti Frescoes
A side chapel attached to the hermitage contains frescoes traditionally attributed to Ambrogio Lorenzetti, one of the most important painters of 14th-century Siena.
The paintings include scenes connected with the Virgin Mary, saints and the story of Galgano. They have suffered alteration and restoration, but remain essential for understanding the artistic importance of Montesiepi.
One particularly discussed image shows the Virgin seated in majesty. Changes made during the painting process reveal how medieval artists and patrons developed religious imagery rather than following a completely fixed design.
The frescoes are easy to overlook because most visitors concentrate entirely on the sword. Give them several minutes. They connect the compact hermitage with the wider artistic culture of medieval Siena.
The Mysterious Mummified Hands
The hermitage also preserves a pair of mummified hands associated by tradition with a medieval legend.
According to the story, three men attempted to steal or destroy Galgano’s sword while the hermit was absent. Wolves attacked them, and the preserved hands were said to belong to one of the thieves.
The tale carries the unmistakable structure of medieval religious storytelling: sacrilege, divine protection and violent punishment.
Modern examination has confirmed that the remains are old, but their precise identity cannot be established. They should be approached as part of the site’s devotional and folkloric history rather than definitive evidence of a miraculous attack.
Walk from Montesiepi to San Galgano Abbey
A signed path connects the hermitage with the abbey below.
The walk takes approximately ten minutes downhill and slightly longer on the return. The path is short but can be uneven, muddy after rain and uncomfortable for wheelchairs or people with reduced mobility.
Walking is preferable to driving between the two sites because it reveals their relationship. The hermitage occupies the elevated place of Galgano’s solitary conversion, while the later Cistercian monastery spreads across the plain below.
As you descend, the enormous roofless church gradually appears between the trees. The contrast is deliberate and powerful: a compact circular shrine on the hill and a monumental institutional abbey in the valley.
Visitors who cannot manage the path can reach the two sites separately by road.
The History of San Galgano Abbey
After Galgano’s death, Cistercian monks established a community near his hermitage.
The Cistercians had emerged from the reform of Benedictine monasticism at Cîteaux in France. They sought a stricter interpretation of the Rule of Saint Benedict, emphasising prayer, manual labour, economic self-sufficiency and architectural restraint.
Construction of the great abbey began in the early 13th century. The church represented one of the earliest and most significant expressions of Cistercian Gothic architecture in Tuscany.
The monastery became wealthy and influential. Its monks managed agricultural land, mills and economic activities across the surrounding territory. They also participated in the civic and administrative life of medieval Siena.
This success eventually weakened the austere isolation that had defined the early community. Political instability, warfare, disease and changes in monastic administration contributed to a long decline.
By the late Middle Ages, the abbey’s population had diminished. The introduction of commendatory abbots — administrators who received monastic revenues without necessarily living in the monastery — further reduced resources available for maintenance.
The lead covering of the roof was removed and sold. Structural deterioration accelerated, and the bell tower collapsed in the 18th century. By the end of that century, the church had lost its roof and was effectively abandoned.
Why Does San Galgano Abbey Have No Roof?
A popular version of the story says that lightning destroyed the roof. The reality is more gradual.
The abbey had already been weakened by centuries of neglect and the removal of valuable roofing materials. Without proper maintenance, water penetrated the structure and damaged the wooden framework.
The bell tower collapsed in 1786, contributing to further destruction. What remained of the roof eventually disappeared, leaving the nave open to the sky.
The absence of the roof is now the abbey’s defining feature, but it should not be mistaken for an intentional architectural design. Medieval visitors would have entered a completed and enclosed church, probably austere but protected from the weather.
Today the open structure produces an extraordinary visual experience. It also exposes the building continuously to rain, wind, vegetation and temperature changes, making conservation a permanent challenge.
Explore the Roofless Nave
Entering San Galgano Abbey is one of those rare architectural experiences that feels more dramatic in reality than in photographs.
The nave stretches ahead between massive columns and pointed arches. High Gothic windows frame sections of sky, while the circular opening on the façade appears as a perfect disc of blue, cloud or evening light.
Without a ceiling, the vertical proportions become even more pronounced. The columns seem to continue beyond the walls, and weather replaces stained glass as the principal source of colour.
The floor is largely covered with gravel and grass. Birds cross the nave, wind moves through the windows and shadows travel continuously across the stone.
Despite its ruinous condition, the original plan remains easy to understand. Visitors can identify the central nave, side aisles, transept, chapels and presbytery without needing to reconstruct the building mentally from scattered foundations.
This completeness is what separates San Galgano from many other monastic ruins.
Understand the Cistercian Architecture
Cistercian churches were designed to support disciplined communal worship rather than elaborate spectacle.
San Galgano follows a Latin-cross plan, with three naves, a projecting transept and a rectangular choir. The pointed arches, ribbed vaulting and carefully controlled proportions reflect Gothic architectural ideas transmitted through the international Cistercian network.
Decoration was deliberately restrained. Cistercian reformers criticised excessive ornamentation for distracting monks from prayer.
Even so, San Galgano is not visually plain. Alternating stone, brick, carved capitals and changes in architectural rhythm produce a sophisticated effect without relying on figurative sculpture or gilded decoration.
The church also demonstrates how architectural styles travelled across medieval Europe. Gothic forms associated with France were adapted to Tuscan materials, construction methods and visual traditions.
The Cloister and Monastic Buildings
Only part of the wider monastery survives.
The former cloister stood beside the church and connected the principal areas of daily monastic life: the chapter house, dormitory, refectory, kitchens, workshops and service spaces.
Some surviving rooms and structural remains help explain that the abbey was not only a church. It was a complete religious and economic community organised around prayer, study, agriculture and labour.
The chapter house was where monks met to hear readings from the Rule of Saint Benedict, discuss community matters and receive instructions from the abbot.
The refectory served as the communal dining room, usually arranged according to strict monastic routines. Other rooms supported food storage, hospitality and agricultural administration.
The surviving abbey church dominates the modern visit, but the monastery’s historical importance depended equally on these less spectacular working spaces.
The Best Time of Day to Visit San Galgano
Early morning provides the quietest and most atmospheric experience.
The abbey is cooler, large groups have not yet arrived and the low light produces long shadows across the nave. The Montesiepi chapel is also easier to appreciate before visitors begin crowding around the sword.
Late afternoon offers warmer light, particularly on the outer walls and through the west-facing openings. The roofless nave becomes exceptionally photogenic when sunlight strikes one side of the columns while leaving the opposite aisle in shadow.
Midday provides the clearest illumination but can feel harsh in summer. The abbey has little protection from heat, while the walk to Montesiepi is exposed.
Opening hours determine whether sunset photography is possible. In July and August, later closing times create better opportunities. During winter, the site generally closes well before sunset.
San Galgano in Every Season
Spring
March, April and May bring green fields, wildflowers and mild temperatures.
This is one of the most beautiful periods for the exterior view of the abbey, when fresh vegetation contrasts with the weathered stone. Rain remains possible, and the path to Montesiepi may become muddy.
Summer
June is warm and relatively manageable. July and August can become extremely hot, particularly in the exposed abbey nave and car park.
Visit shortly after opening or in the final two hours of the day. Bring water, a hat and sun protection.
Summer also brings weddings, concerts and cultural events that can temporarily affect normal access.
Autumn
September and October offer softer light, comfortable temperatures and quieter weekdays.
The surrounding fields turn gold and brown, creating a more austere but distinctly Tuscan landscape. This is an excellent period for combining San Galgano with Siena, Chiusdino or the Val di Merse.
Winter
Winter strips the site down to architecture, stone and sky.
Clouds, bare trees and low light intensify the abbey’s monastic character. Visitor numbers are lower, but days are short and opening hours more limited.
The nave provides no shelter from rain, so waterproof clothing is essential during unsettled weather.
How Long Do You Need at San Galgano?
Allow at least 90 minutes for the abbey and hermitage.
A complete visit typically includes:
30 to 45 minutes inside the abbey
10 to 15 minutes walking between the abbey and Montesiepi
20 to 30 minutes at the hermitage
Additional time for photographs, the museum or refreshments
Two hours provide a more relaxed experience.
Travellers interested in medieval art, monastic history or photography could easily spend half a day when the visit is combined with Chiusdino.
A Two-Hour San Galgano Itinerary
Begin at the Hermitage of Montesiepi before it becomes crowded.
See the sword in the stone, examine the circular architecture and visit the side chapel containing the Lorenzetti frescoes.
Walk downhill towards the abbey, stopping where the roofless church first appears through the landscape.
Enter the abbey and follow the nave towards the presbytery. Explore both side aisles, the transept and the surviving monastic rooms.
Walk around the exterior to appreciate the buttresses, windows and full scale of the building.
Finish with coffee or lunch near the abbey before continuing to Chiusdino.
The itinerary also works in reverse, but beginning at Montesiepi follows the historical sequence from Galgano’s hermitage to the later monastic foundation.
Visit Chiusdino
Chiusdino is a compact medieval village standing on a hill approximately ten kilometres from the abbey.
Its stone lanes, stairways and panoramic terraces deserve more attention than they usually receive. Most visitors drive directly to San Galgano and leave without exploring the saint’s hometown.
The traditional Birthplace of Saint Galgano stands in the historic centre. The building has been associated with his family since at least the later Middle Ages, although the identification relies partly on tradition.
Chiusdino also contains churches, small squares and views towards the Metalliferous Hills.
Allow one or two hours for the village. It is quiet, steep and largely free from the commercialisation found in more famous Tuscan towns.
The San Galgano Civic and Diocesan Museum
The Museo Civico e Diocesano d’Arte Sacra di San Galgano occupies a historic building in Chiusdino.
Its collection brings together paintings, sculptures, reliquaries and liturgical objects from local churches and religious institutions. The museum is particularly useful for visitors who want to understand the saint’s iconography and the cultural importance of the abbey beyond its architecture.
The admission ticket for San Galgano Abbey may also include access to the museum. Conditions and opening periods should be checked before departure, especially outside the main season.
The museum is not large, but it adds an important layer to the visit. The abbey’s open walls communicate grandeur and decline; the museum preserves some of the devotional objects and artistic traditions that once filled the surrounding territory.
San Galgano Abbey for Photographers
The abbey’s combination of complete walls and missing roof creates unusually flexible photographic conditions.
A wide-angle lens captures the symmetry of the nave, but it can exaggerate the perspective and make the church appear narrower than it feels. A standard lens produces more balanced architectural images, while a short telephoto isolates arches, windows and layers of columns.
Stand near the centre of the nave for the classic symmetrical composition. Then move towards the side aisles, where the arches create stronger depth and less predictable frames.
The circular window is especially effective when photographed against clear sky or fast-moving clouds.
Outside, photograph the abbey from the surrounding fields and approach road rather than concentrating only on the façade. The complete side elevation reveals the scale of the building more clearly.
Tripods and professional equipment may be subject to restrictions, particularly during events or weddings. Drone flights require compliance with Italian aviation rules and any local restrictions.
Weddings, Concerts and Special Events
San Galgano Abbey is frequently used for civil ceremonies, concerts and cultural events.
The roofless nave creates a spectacular setting, but private events can restrict visitor movement or temporarily close sections of the site.
Summer evening concerts take advantage of the natural acoustics and open-air architecture. Schedules change annually, so travellers interested in attending should consult the current programme rather than relying on previous editions.
Couples planning a wedding should contact the site administration directly. The abbey is not a functioning parish church, and ceremonies are managed according to municipal and heritage regulations.
For ordinary visitors, checking the event calendar before making a long journey can prevent disappointment.
How to Get to San Galgano Abbey
By Car
Driving is by far the easiest way to reach San Galgano.
From Siena, follow roads towards Rosia, Monticiano and Chiusdino. The journey usually takes between 45 minutes and one hour, depending on traffic and the chosen route.
From Florence, allow approximately one hour and thirty minutes.
From San Gimignano or Volterra, driving normally takes around one hour to one hour and twenty minutes.
The final approach passes through quiet countryside, with some bends and narrow sections. Road conditions are generally manageable, but driving after dark requires additional care.
Use Abbazia di San Galgano as the navigation destination rather than entering only “San Galgano,” which may produce less precise results.
Parking at San Galgano
A designated parking area is located near the abbey.
From the parking area, visitors follow a short, mostly level route towards the ticket office and church. The final distance is manageable for most people.
Separate road access is available closer to the Hermitage of Montesiepi, which is useful for travellers unable to manage the connecting footpath.
Parking arrangements may change during weddings, concerts or busy public holidays. Follow local signs rather than leaving vehicles along narrow roads or agricultural access points.
Public Transport
Reaching San Galgano without a car is possible only with significant planning.
Bus connections in this rural part of Tuscany are limited and generally designed for residents rather than tourists. Services may reach Chiusdino or nearby villages without continuing conveniently to the abbey.
Schedules also vary between school days, weekends, holidays and summer periods.
A taxi from Siena is possible but expensive, particularly if the driver waits during the visit. A private tour, rental car or pre-arranged transfer is generally more practical.
Cycling can work for experienced riders, but the routes are hilly and some roads carry fast traffic.
Accessibility
The principal approach to the abbey is relatively straightforward, but the historical surfaces inside can include gravel, grass and uneven ground.
The footpath between the abbey and Montesiepi is steeper and more difficult. Visitors with reduced mobility should travel between the two areas by car when access arrangements permit.
The hermitage is small and may be challenging when crowded.
Contact the site before travelling to confirm current accessible entrances, parking and assistance. Temporary event installations or conservation work can change normal routes.
Where to Eat Near San Galgano
There are a small number of restaurants and hospitality businesses near the abbey, including rural establishments serving Tuscan cuisine.
Reservations are sensible at weekends, during summer and when weddings or events are taking place.
For a broader selection, continue to Chiusdino, Monticiano or villages along the route towards Siena.
This is not the area for an elaborate restaurant crawl. The better approach is a substantial rural lunch based on local ingredients: handmade pasta, wild boar, grilled meat, pecorino and seasonal vegetables.
Opening hours can be irregular outside peak periods. Some restaurants serve lunch only, close on specific weekdays or require advance booking during winter.
What to Eat in the Val di Merse
The cuisine around San Galgano belongs to inland southern Tuscany: direct, savoury and strongly connected with bread, pork, game, sheep’s cheese and woodland ingredients.
Pici
Pici are thick, hand-rolled strands of pasta associated with the Siena area.
They may be served with garlic and tomato in pici all’aglione, with breadcrumbs, wild boar ragù or a rich meat sauce.
Proper pici should be substantial and pleasantly chewy rather than soft or excessively thick.
Wild Boar
Cinghiale, or wild boar, appears in slow-cooked ragù, stews and cured products.
Its flavour is darker and more assertive than ordinary pork, particularly when prepared with red wine, herbs and juniper.
A plate of pappardelle or pici with wild boar ragù is the natural meal after a cool-weather visit to the abbey.
Cinta Senese
Cinta Senese is a traditional Tuscan pig breed recognised by the pale band around its shoulders.
Its meat is used for salami, prosciutto, finocchiona and cooked dishes. The flavour is rich and savoury, with fat that becomes particularly aromatic when properly cured.
Pecorino Toscano
Local sheep’s cheese ranges from soft and milky to firm, salty and spicy.
Fresh pecorino works well with honey or raw vegetables, while aged versions suit cured meats and structured red wine.
Ribollita and Tuscan Soups
During colder months, restaurants may serve ribollita, acquacotta or soups based on beans, bread, cabbage and seasonal vegetables.
These dishes were developed from rural economy rather than luxury, but careful preparation gives them remarkable depth.
What to Drink Near San Galgano
The abbey lies within reach of several important Tuscan wine areas.
Chianti Colli Senesi is the most obvious regional choice. Sangiovese-based reds offer cherry fruit, herbs, acidity and enough tannin for pasta with meat sauce, cured pork and pecorino.
Wines from Monteregio di Massa Marittima may also appear on local lists, particularly when travelling west towards the Maremma.
For richer meals, look for Brunello di Montalcino or Rosso di Montalcino, although Montalcino lies farther south and these wines carry higher prices.
White-wine drinkers can choose Vernaccia di San Gimignano, whose citrus, almond and herbal character works well with pecorino, poultry and vegetable dishes.
Ask for a local producer rather than ordering the most familiar national label. Smaller Tuscan wineries often provide better regional context and more interesting value.
Where to Stay Near San Galgano
Near the Abbey
Agriturismi and country hotels around San Galgano provide silence, rural views and immediate access to the abbey.
This is the best option for couples, photographers and travellers who want to experience the landscape early in the morning or late in the day.
A car is essential, and restaurant options may be limited without advance planning.
Chiusdino
Staying in Chiusdino offers a more authentic village atmosphere.
Accommodation is limited, but the location suits travellers interested in slow tourism, walking and the history of Saint Galgano.
Evenings are extremely quiet, especially outside summer.
Siena
Siena provides the widest selection of hotels, restaurants and evening activities.
It is the most practical base for first-time visitors to the region, although the drive to San Galgano takes close to an hour.
The abbey works well as a half-day excursion from Siena, particularly when combined with Chiusdino or the Val di Merse.
Monticiano and the Val di Merse
Monticiano and nearby rural properties offer good access to woods, nature reserves and quieter sections of the Sienese countryside.
This area suits hikers, cyclists and travellers continuing towards the Maremma or Grosseto.
What to See Near San Galgano
Chiusdino
Visit the saint’s traditional birthplace, the sacred-art museum and the medieval centre.
The village provides historical context that is missing when San Galgano is treated only as a dramatic ruin.
Monticiano
Monticiano is a small Tuscan village surrounded by woodland.
It is a convenient base for exploring the Val di Merse and nearby nature reserves, with fewer visitors than the famous hill towns around Siena.
The Merse Nature Reserve
The Merse River flows through one of the greenest areas of the Siena province.
Walking routes cross oak woods, river environments and rural landscapes with a markedly different character from the open vineyards normally associated with Tuscany.
Siena
Siena requires at least a full day of its own.
Piazza del Campo, Siena Cathedral, the Palazzo Pubblico and the city’s contrade provide a dramatic urban contrast with the monastic isolation of San Galgano.
Massa Marittima
West of San Galgano, Massa Marittima is one of Tuscany’s most underrated medieval towns.
Its cathedral square is exceptionally beautiful, while the mining museums and surrounding Metalliferous Hills reveal a more industrial side of Tuscan history.
Murlo
The small village of Murlo contains an important archaeological museum dedicated to the Etruscan settlement of Poggio Civitate.
It is a rewarding addition for travellers interested in the cultures that preceded medieval Tuscany.
A One-Day San Galgano Itinerary from Siena
Leave Siena early and drive directly to Montesiepi.
Visit the hermitage and sword before the arrival of larger groups, then walk downhill to the abbey.
Spend around 45 minutes exploring the church and monastic remains. Continue to Chiusdino for the sacred-art museum, saint’s birthplace and a walk through the village.
Have lunch in Chiusdino or at a rural restaurant near the abbey.
In the afternoon, choose between Monticiano and the Merse countryside or Massa Marittima for a more substantial medieval destination.
Return to Siena before dark, particularly in winter when rural roads are less comfortable after sunset.
Practical Information for San Galgano in 2026
The Abbey of San Galgano is generally open every day.
The published seasonal schedule indicates opening from 9:00 to 18:00 between November and April, 9:00 to 19:00 in May and June, 9:00 to 20:00 in July and August, and 9:00 to 19:00 in September and October.
Weekend and holiday arrangements may differ, and special events can modify ordinary access. Verify the current schedule before travelling.
Standard admission to the abbey is charged, with reductions and exemptions for eligible visitors. The ticket may include entry to the San Galgano Civic and Diocesan Museum in Chiusdino.
The Hermitage of Montesiepi is a functioning religious site and is normally free to enter. Opening can pause during services or for pastoral reasons.
Dress respectfully inside the hermitage, even during hot weather.
The abbey offers almost no shelter from sun or rain. Check the forecast and bring suitable clothing.
Dogs may be subject to access rules and must remain controlled. Confirm current conditions when travelling with an animal.
Photography for personal use is generally possible, but commercial sessions, tripods, drones and professional productions may require permission.
San Galgano Essential Information
Italian name: Abbazia di San Galgano
Location: Chiusdino, province of Siena
Region: Tuscany
Architectural style: Cistercian Gothic
Construction period: Principally 13th century
Main features: Roofless abbey church, Montesiepi Hermitage and sword in the stone
Recommended visit: 90 minutes to two hours
Best months: April, May, June, September and October
Best time of day: Early morning or late afternoon
Nearest major city: Siena
Best transport: Car
Parking: Available near the abbey
Hermitage admission: Normally free
Best suited to: History enthusiasts, photographers, architecture travellers, couples and families exploring Tuscany by car
