Description
A Monte Oliveto Maggiore abbey tour takes you through a Benedictine monastery in the Crete Senesi near Asciano, in about two and a half hours, with an audio guide in Italian or English handed to you at the entrance. Legend says the place began with a dream of a silver staircase rising to the sky, dreamed by the nobleman Giovanni Tolomei.
The route follows the layout of a Benedictine complex, with skip-the-line entry.
- The church, built in the 15th century and later remodelled in Baroque and Rococo style, with an inlaid wooden choir of 125 stalls
- The Great Cloister, frescoed by Luca Signorelli and by Sodoma
- The refectory, the chapter house and the large library
- The underground cellar, with barrels and the monks' wines and oil
Outside, the garden and the small chapels invite a slow walk. The visit closes with a tasting: three wines, a monks' extra virgin olive oil in special glasses, and a platter of cured meats and cheese with bread, plus water. A gluten-free bread and a vegetarian platter are offered. Wear covering clothes for the sacred setting; the visit goes ahead in the rain. It is not open to children under 18.