A Romanesque abbey in pale stone among olive trees and cypresses
A few kilometres from Montalcino, in the valley of Castelnuovo dell'Abate, the abbey of Sant'Antimo appears suddenly among olive groves, a church of pale travertine and alabaster with a square bell tower. Legend says it was founded by Charlemagne; the present church was built in the twelfth century and is one of the masterpieces of Italian Romanesque.
Its architecture shows French influences, with an ambulatory around the apse, rare in Italy. Inside, the light filtered through alabaster gives the stone a golden glow, and the capitals are carved with animals and biblical scenes, including Daniel in the lions' den. A small community of monks keeps it alive.
Tip: a pleasant footpath of about 10 km links Montalcino to the abbey through vineyards and woods; check the times of the liturgical chants, which can be attended.
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