Abbey of San Galgano - The
Cistercian Abbey of San Galgano is an icon unto itself, the
foremost symbol of this land.
It is historically and architecturally
one of the most important religious monuments in the Sienese
countryside and, together with the nearby chapel at Monte
Siepi, is an important expression of the gothic Cistercian
style in Italy represented by the Fossanova abbey in Lazio.
The Cistercian order was born in Citeaux,
Bordeaux, in 1098 as a means of reinforcing the Benedictine
order and restoring the discipline which had progressively
been lost. Cistercian monasteries were built throughout Europe,
primarily along important arteries and roads leading to Citeaux.
Construction began on the abbey of San Galgano in 1218 in
the vicinity of Chiusdino and Monticiano on the Massetana
road and just a short distance from the Merse river.
Architecturally, its severe, rigorously
formal design was intended to exemplify the moral rigour upheld
by St. Bernard. Not coincidentally, the abbey was built in
an area already sanctified by the presence of the chapel at
Monte Siepi, built at the end of the twelfth century to consecrate
the home of the young hermit Galgano Guidotti, who died in
1181 and was canonized in 1185.
The abbey was consecrated seventy years
after the first stone was laid. This marked the onset of frenetic
religious activity and of activity in general in an area where
the valley is wide-open and sunny. First the marshy fields
were drained, and then the river's flow was harnessed to produce
hydraulic energy.
It seems that the original design of
the abbey foresaw mills for flour-making and wool processing.
But in the end the abbey enjoyed only a brief life. Decline
was brought on first by famine in 1329 and then by Bubonic
plague in 1348, sealing the fate of this monastic settlement.
In the sixteenth century the structure itself began to succumb,
especially once the lead roofing was sold.
How to reach San Galgano: From Siena take direction
Rosia and follow for Massa Marittima. After Rosia take direction
Chiusdino and after few Km find the sign for Abbazia di San
Galgano
Where is San Galgano: is located in the west of Siena
province, in the border with the province of Grosseto, between
the comune of Chiusdino and Monticiano . See
the map
Nearby: Visit Chiusdino, Radicondoli, Monticiano.
Distances: Siena 30 Km - Florence 80 Km - Pisa 150
Km - Arezzo 90 Km
Correct name is San Galgano
Common mistakes are Gagano, Galgiano, Calgano, Galcano
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San Galgano
- Siena - Tuscany Italy
San Galgano 
