Abbadia San Salvatore - (8500
inhabitants) lies on the edge of extensive chestnut woods
covering the eastern side of Monte Amiata.
The abbey is one of the oldest monasteries
in Tuscany and had control over a vast area. It was an important
station in the Middle Ages on the Via Francigena, the pilgrim
route from northern Europe to Rome. The modern suburb which
has developed round the monastery, has become a popular summer
and winter resort.
The picturesque medieval borgo or
village preserves its outer walls and streets intact, with
medieval and Renaissance houses of locai grey stone.
The Benedettine abbey, which was immensely
rich and powerful, enjoyed numerous privileges under the prolection
of popes and emperors, and exercised feudal jurisdiction over
much of southern Tuscany. It was founded. according to tradition,
in 743 by the Lombard king, Ratchis, on the spot where he
saw a vision. At the peak of its temporal and spiritual powers
in 1035 the abbey was rebuilt and reconsecrated by Abbot Winizzo.
There followed a period of decline when it carne under the
dominion of Siena in 1347, and evenlually was incorporateci
into the Medici state in 1559.
The monastery was suppressed by grand-duke
Leopoldo II in 1783, and most of its treasury and archives
were removed to Florence. A Benedictine community was reinstalled
here in 1939.
How to reach Abbadia San Salvatore: From Siena (73
Km), on the Cassia road SS2, direction Rome.
Where is Abbadia San Salvatore: is located in the
south of Siena province, on the border with the province of
Grosseto. See the map
Nearby: Radicofani, Piancastagnaio.
Distances: Siena 73 Km Florence 140 Km - Pisa 180
Km - Arezzo 90 Km
Correct name is Abbadia San Salvatore
Common mistakes are Abadia San Salvatore, Abbey san
Salvadore, San Salvador
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Abbadia San Salvatore
- Siena - Tuscany Italy
Abbadia San Salvatore 
