Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore by sue_stone
Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore is a 14th century monastery located about 36kms south of Siena. It is located on a hill, about a 15-20 minute drive off the main road. We stopped in on our way from Siena to Montalcino. The monastery is still a retreat for around 40 monks, and you will see some during your visit. The foundations of the monastery can be traced back to 1313.
The car park is uphill (don't use the revolting toilets there, hold on for the ones down the hill), and it is about a 5 minute walk down a steep hill, to the monastery. The highlight of a visit is the stunning frescoes in the Great Cloister, which illustrate the life of St Benedict.
The Abbey is open to visitors each day from: 09.15 - 12.00 and from 15.15 - 17.00 (18.00 in summer).
Located in Chiusura, about 36kms south of Siena
