A Panoramic Itinerary to the Abbey of St. Antimo

Oct. 18, 2012 - PRLog -- If you are spending your holidays in Montalcino (world famous for the production of wine) we recommend you to visit the Abbey of St. Antimo, one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in Italy, which is located only 9 km away from this enchanting medieval village. St. Antimo can be reached by car, but better on foot, we are happy to give you some information below.

We suggest you to leave Montalcino around 9.30 AM in order to reach the Abbey within 1.00 PM, on time for the Gregorian chants of the Sixth Hour. At the roundabout in front of the Fortress take the road that leads to the cemetery and follow route n. 2, after a short time turn right in the direction of Casa Albatreti. You will find yourself walking in a wooded area and after having crossed a couple of ditches you will start walking uphill until you reach the paved road of Castiglione del Bosco. Continue uphill until you see the main road Strada Provinciale Montalcino – S. Angelo, that you will follow in the direction of Poggio Civitella (right). In front of Le Ragnaie Residence there is a dirt road leading to Villa a Tolli and St. Antimo, from this point on, the street goes basically downhill with beautiful views over the Amiata and the Val d'Orcia. Past Villa a Tolli continue downhill and reach the amazing Abbey of St. Antimo. Travelling time: about 3 hours.

According to legend, St. Antimo was erected on the site of an ancient chapel built by Charles Magne in 781; the present Abbey was erected in 1118 and it is currently entrusted to the Canons Regular who live under the Augustinian Rule. The facade, with remains of a portico, looks incomplete; the entrance has a high arch and some bas relief decorations. The interior has three naves divided by high columns, the apse has radial chapels joined by an ambulatory, as in French cathedrals.

Are you planning a Tuscany tour? St. Antimo is just one of the attractions that make up the heritage of this wonderful region. Take a classic San Gimignano tour, visit Siena or the wild beaches of Maremma... You will fall in love and never come back!

Visit http://www.blucarservice.it/volterra-san-gimignano-certal... for details

Caterina Pomini