The Abbey

Continuing with our recent visit to Tuscany......

Toward the end of our trip, and on a beautiful Fall day we visited the Abbey Monte Oliveto Maggiore, a Benedictine Monastery which is 10km south of Asciano. You are greeted by a drawbridge at the beautifully cared for 15th century structure. You then walk down a rather long alleyway flanked by tall Cypress Trees.

 Where you arrive at the main complex.

You know that you are at the right place since there are monks about, some even passed us driving a car. They are called to prayer six times a day in the main church, and they will let you sit in the church while this is going on, provided you are respectful (and quiet).

There is no entrance fee and you are free to walk about. We smelled what we thought was soup cooking as we peered into the dining hall, where the tables were set for lunch.

Like so many monasteries, they make and sell their own wine and you are free to walk down into cellars,

Which I found to be very interesting.

Back at ground level there was a sunny courtyard

surround by hallways with magnificent  fresco's 

More on that Later!

Which brings you to the church which like all churches and cathedrals in Europe are extraordinary.

There were of a couple of things I discovered at the Abbey that I found most interesting...which I will post later.