Tuscany, everyone knows, is the land rich in shining cities of art and wonders of nature. However, far from the popular tourist itineraries you can find lesser known treasures or completely unknown to those who do not live in the area, but no less fascinating as the imposing and evocative Abbey of San Galgano is situated about 30 km from Siena.

The Abbey was built by the Cistercians between 1182 and 1185, above the hut where a certain San Galgano lived its last year of life. Until our time, there are only ruins left which, however, are an architectural wonder that takes their breath away from those who visit it. The outline of the abbey is visible from afar by combining the blue of the sky with the green carpet of the fields.

The same ones that act as the ceiling and floor surrounded by pillars divided by single-doors and acute arched mullioned windows of Gothic taste. The interior resembles that of cathedrals: made of stone, impressive and spacious. You can only be amazed by the show composed of rose windows, capitals with various ornamental motifs.

The visit to the Abbey would not be complete without going to the Hermitage of Montesiepi. You can get there by car or take a pleasant path immersed in the woods that leads directly from the Abbey to this particular rounded structure built around 1185, drawing inspiration from ancient Etruscan and Roman tomb buildings.

The interior hides the tomb of San Galgano and the fortress with the sword stuck in by the hands of the saint who abandoned the war life in favor of a life dedicated to peace and contemplation curding his sword into an inlet of a rock where he remained stuck there forever.