Descrizione

A mystical place within walking distance of the Abbey of San Galgano

Not far from the famous San Galgano Abbey, nestled in the Chiusdino countryside, stands the Hermitage of Montesiepi, likewise dedicated to the Saint. This fascinating religious building holds one of the most captivating symbols of the Tuscan Middle Ages: the sword in the stone, linked to the extraordinary story of Saint Galgano. 

The hermitage was built soon after the Saint’s death in 1181, likely commissioned by the Bishop of Volterra. The circular architecture of the chapel, with alternating bands of stone and brick, creates a striking two-tone effect. 

Inside the hermitage is the iconic sword of Saint Galgano, embedded in the rock. The sword emerges from the floor of the church at the apex of the hill. It was originally set in an altar that occupied the center of the room, subsequently demolished in the 17ᵗʰ century and replaced in recent years with the present one. 

Shortly after its completion in the early decades of the 13ᵗʰ century, the chapel was given an entrance pronaos, featuring a portal with a two-tone arch that echoed the decorative theme of the circular church.