Abbazia di San Galgano (Abbey of San Galgano)
Ruins of the Cistercian Abbey in Siena Province, Toscana, Italy. This is one of the most important Tuscan monasteries erected by the Cistercian order. The Abbey's construction lasted from 1218 to 1288, yet the façade (main entrance way) was never completed. Over time the Abbey lost importance and was gradually abandoned. In 1786, during mass, the bell tower collapsed on the south transept, destroying the roofs and portions of the complex. Today the Abbey is devoid of its vaults, roof, and windows. Recently the Abbeyhas been the focus of an extensive program of archaeological research and excavations. There is a small entrance fee to access the area. After you are done exploring the Abbey you can take a short walk (up hill) from the Abbey to the Hermitage of Montesiepi, named after the saint just like the Abbey, to see the world’s only known sword in a rock. This is the sword that belonged to Saint Galgano, who thrust his weapon into the rock at the top of the Montesiepi hillside. (Chiusdino, Italy)
