Nearby Siena and very well hidden among the hills is the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, well known for its incredible structure situated in a stunning location; one of the most intricate wooden inlay choir rooms; its frescoed cloister; its library; and its herbal remedies and delicious honey.
Apparently, in 1313 the beauty of the area inspired Bernardo Tolomei, a politician from Siena who, although at the peak of his career, decided to become a hermit with two friends. The group later adopted the Benedictine Rule and began to construct the abbey.
Between 1497 and 1506 the Abbey had a series of frescos painted all along the four sides of its main cloister by Gian Antonio Bazzi and Luca Signorelli. The 37 frescos depict the life of San Benedetto.
Beyond the decorated cloister you follow the signs to the library and find a frescoed staircase.
The library itself has about 5000 books from the 1700s and 1800s. All of the older illuminated manuscripts from the Renaissance were removed to hide them from Napolean’s troups. The librarian said that many of these ancient manuscripts were hidden in homes in the outlying countryside, but many more were buried and never again found.
The library leads you to the old herbalist room (see photo below) where herbs and flowers were made into remedies. To this day the Abbey’s Herbalist shop is filled with ancient recipes of creams, teas and other products. And of course, their delicious honey.
At the end of the journey we returned to the main church to see the choir room, considered to be one of the most important examples of wooden inlay in all of Europe. In the middle of the room, at the base of a lectern was a beautiful cat in wood. A final unexpected surprise in the middle of the clay Sienese hills.
For much better photographs of the Abbey visit their website: www.monteolivetomaggiore.it
by Jean Tori
Artist- Art website: www.jeantoriartwork.com Art blog: www.jeantori.com Design company: www.kimonorabbit.com Jean also rents holiday houses in her medieval hamlet in Umbria at www.caiporri7.com.
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Jean, Thanks for the reminder of what a wonderful place this is, must go back
Mary Jane, it’s definitely worth another visit! If we can find it again! Saluti, Jean
Truly beautiful to see these photos and learn about the history. Thank you!
Thank you Anna, glad you enjoyed it! Ciao, Jean
Sensazionale! Grazie tanto.
Grazie a te, Dennis, del commento! Saluti, Jean
Enticement to head back: overdue for a return.
Grazie, Jean!
Thanks, Anne. I shall go back eventually and spend more time looking at the inlays, always full of incredible details. Ciao, Jean
We have been there as guests, We are Benedictine Oblates. The art works are treasures. The inlayed wood work in the chapel are extraordinary.
Dear Frank & Angel, how wonderful to have stayed there! Very peaceful surrounded by artistic wonders! Grazie, Jean
WOW………….what a beautiful place. I have it on my list of Must See Places.
A good idea! We didn’t have much time but another idea is to drive around the nearby countryside surrounding the abbey to get the great views of it from afar. Buon viaggio! Jean
A another wonderful article of a hidden treasure found off the usual tourist route. I am learning so much about the country from your contributors that I can hardly return again and search them out for myself. Thank you again and again for sharing it with us. I love, love, love Italy You are all so gracious. Thank you again Jean.
Thanks so much for your message, Bernadette. It’s such a pleasure to share all these beautiful places! So glad you enjoyed it, saluti, Jean
These are very beautiful to see. Grazie
Lina
Grazie a te, Lina! Ciao, Jean