The approach to the abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore is through thick cypresses, with stunning views of eroded cliffs and sheer drops to the valley floor. The abbey was founded in 1313 by the Olivetan order, which was dedicated to restoring the simplicity of Benedictine monastic rule.
The 15th century rose-pink abbey church is a Baroque building with outstanding choir stalls of inlaid wood. Along side the church is the Great Cloister of 1427-1474, whose walls are covered with a cycle of frescoes of the life of St. Benedict, begun by Luca Signorelli, a pupil of Piero della Francesca, in 1495. He completed nine panels and the remaining 27 were completed by Sodoma in 1508. the cycle of St. Benedict’s life begins on the east wall and is considered a masterwork of fresco painting for its combination of architectural and naturalistic detail.

See the historic pharmacy: Farmacia dell’Archicenobio

Open: daily
37 km from Siena

Note: Don Celso Bidin, one of the 37 Benedictine brothers, oversees the monastery’s olive oil mill, one of a few in tuscany that still uses traditional methods. Millions of bitter little nubins go in one end and the elixir of the gods comes out the other.