In the woods near Asciano, the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore is a rather unknown place in terms of its importance. Founded in the fourteenth century, the Gregorian songs animate it and monks have been making wines for a long time, which can be tasted and purchased in the cellar of the monks.
It is particularly worth visiting for its spectacular monumental cloister, an important Renaissance masterpiece, decorated with the great and beautiful 15th-century Sodoma frescoes depicting the life of Saint Benedict.
Historical elements
Its origin dates back to 1313 when a Sienese nobleman Giovanni de’ Tolomei, with Patrizio Patrizi and Ambrogio Piccolomini retired to an isolated family property. They lived until 1319 in semi-asceticism until they were recognized as a congregation by the bishop, distinguishing them from the many «heretical sects» of the region. This new Congregation decided to belong to the Order of Benedictines, following the rule known as “ora et labora”.
The Benedictines of Monte Oliveto have been living there since 1319.
Visit
Beautiful rooms and works are to be discovered, such as the monumental library, the refectory or the former pharmacy of the sixteenth century. The 15th century church has baroque decorations and especially the superb carved choir and inlaid between 1503 and 1505 by Fra’ Giovanni da Verona, and the readership of Fra’ Raffaele da Brascia (1520).
In addition to the beautiful paintings, she also keeps sculptures, with for example in a niche a group of Madonna and Child made by fra’ Giovanni da Verona.
Grand Cloister of the Abbey
It gives access to all rooms of the monastery.
The church, north of the cloister for about a year-mile, is the site of the monk’s main activity: choral prayer, called opus Dei, work of God.
South side, refectory.
Beyond the beautiful things already mentioned, the abbey is distinguished above all by the Grand Cloister, spectacular monumental cloister. It is one of the most important testimonies of Italian painting of the Renaissance period, decorated with famous large frescoes.
It has a rectangular plan, built between 1426 and 1443, with in the centre a marble statue of Saint Benedict, a marble fountain in an angle dating from 1439. Its oldest side has double loggia with semicircular arches
The walls of the four galleries on the ground floor are entirely painted with frescoes from the Stories narrating episodes from the life of Saint Benedict., by Luca Signorelli and Antonio Bazzi said Il Sodoma.
Signorelli’s frescoes are eight and were made in 1497-98. The others are from Sodom and were made from 1505.
Where is the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, map
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Links and source
- Official website: www.monteolivetomaggiore.it
- General informations: it.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org
- Tourist portals: www.visittuscany.com
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