The picture
perfect area south of Siena with spectacular views and world renowned wines
is also home to the spiritual monks of St. Antimo and Monte Oliveto Maggiore.
Take a day
to explore this incredibly scenic area and discover the religious art and
Gregorian chants that color Tuscany in a unique way. Heading to the area of
Montalcino, among the olive groves, lies St. Antimo and ancient abbey whose
origins are lost in myth.
It is said
that around 781 when Charlemagne went to Rome on a pilgrimage and received
as gifts from Pope Adrian I various relics of the Saints Sebastian and
Antimo. According to legend he prayed that the plague afflicting the area
spare his troops. As they were not harmed he pledged to build a monastery
upon which the abbey was later built.
You will
head up to the hill top town of Montalcino, in the heart of Tuscan wine
country where you will enjoy a typical Tuscan lunch with Brunello di
Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino and a Supertuscan wines at the town’s
medieval fortress. Afterwards you will hear the monks singing Gregorian
chants at St. Antimo abbey.
Your day
will continue along the winding cypress lined streets that lead to Monte
Oliveto Maggiore. This abbey, nestled in the quiet solitude of the
surrounding forests hosts frescos depicting the life of St. Benedict.
Here you
can visit the abbey with it’s priceless works of art and purchase the fine
liquors and after dinner drinks made on the premises by the monks who live
there.
Take a day
off the beaten path to discover a hidden aspect of Tuscany that will surely
add to the richness of your holiday.
