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Nestled in a valley south of Montalcino, lies the magnificent abbey of Sant’Antimo. As you enter, a serene peace surrounds you as if wrapped in a warm blanket. The beams of sunlight stream through the haze of incense lingering in the air as the ochre color stone glows golden in the afternoon light. The magic of Sant’Antimo hugs and soothes the soul.
If you’re ever near this valley you must come to Sant’Antimo. Its majestic silence has the ability to refresh the spirit and the
gentle chanting of the monks fill the heart with peace. Even once you’re far away from these tranquil vineyards and olive groves, your soul will return to this magical place nestled so quietly in its sunlit valley, filling you again with memories of its peaceful rhythm.
Visit once – but allow your soul to come often.
-Contributed by Michele Becci, regular Italy traveler, foodie, and blogger at OurItalianTable.wordpress.com.
I have never visited Sant’Antimo, but I know of friends who have stayed in the abbey cells on a spiritual retreat. They described it much like you do.
I’m off to visit your blog, which sounds very interesting. I author and edit a food website myself, and would love to have you and the Famiglia over for a nibble!
Ciao,
Eleonora
I have been to this wonderful spot on the Earth and yes it is absolutely peaceful. It is a place you do not forget. I am planning on taking friends there this summer so they can experience San Antimo themselves.
I feel peaceful just reading what you wrote. I did not know about this place and was very near! I am also going to visit your blog. I wrote a blog documenting our day to day life, living in Italy for two years but we are back in the states now wishing we could return!
Michele – your words about this beautiful site I too found relaxing. I try to make a trip every year and will now add this location as a definite stay. Grazie mille!
I visit Sant’ Antimo often, as I live near there in Montisi half the year. Also take my groups there in the Spring, and it is just as you say. A most spiritual place, even when filled with tourists. Thanks for your lovely description.
So glad you wrote about this exquisite little piece of heaven-on-earth. We first ‘discovered’ it about 15 years ago, when there was no gift shop nearby and no place for buses to park. It would be small of us, I suppose, to wish that many others wouldn’t have the opportunity to see the beautiful church and experience the tranquility that permeates it… but part of me wishes it were still off the map. Assisi has the same feel, in spite of all the tourists, though, so I bet Sant’Antimo will survive being ‘found.’ Nice article!
this is one of my most favorite places. when i take tour groups here, they just want to linger. one of those “aaahhhh” moments in time.
The Abby is ethereal. We learned about Sant’Antimo while staying near Pienza at Agriturismo Cretaiole. I would encourage you to visit if you are in the area. It is definitely worth the trip.
Our only regret is that we weren’t able to attend the Sunday Mass to experience the service. Photos of my visit to Sant’Antimo can be seen on my shutterfly site. I’m returning to Tuscany in May and look forward to attending a Sunday mass.
we visited San’Antimo while visiting Tuscany in 2007. All of the above comments are true. We went to the gregorian mass on our last night there. I too would love to live in Tuscany part of the year. Maybe some day.
I was so excited to see your heartfelt article about San’Antimo. On our trip to that region with my two Sisters and cousin we visited this holy place and I have visited it many times over in my mind. It was one of my most special times in Tuscany.