If you’re in Montalcino, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the glorious Romanesque Abbey of Sant’ Antimo, sitting in a picturesque valley just a few kilometres south of the town
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This charming Tuscan monastery is worth visiting for the beautiful building, its spectacular position and for its long history. Sant’ Antimo is a Romanesque church, which is still very much in use today, and monks live in the surrounding buildings. If you’re lucky and time your trip right, you may get to hear the haunting sound of them chanting their prayers in the abbey.
Although the current building was started in the 12th century, there was a monastery on this site much earlier – documents suggest as far back as 814. However, plagued by financial difficulties, it was only after a generous donation by Count Bernardo degli Ardengheschi in 1118 that the new building could go ahead and today’s structure began to take shape. From its façade to its cavernous interior, the abbey is stunning, with the additional bonus of an enviably pretty setting – and breathtaking views of the Tuscan countryside.