• placement: superzone
  • path: destinations/pois/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-428304059891
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "points-of-interest/abbazia-di-monte-oliveto-maggiore/1138395",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore

Concealed amid dense forest on the edge of the Castelnuovo Berardenga region, this 14th-century abbey was founded by Giovanni (John) Tolomei – later Saint Bernardo Tolomei – and is still a retreat for Benedictine monks. The cloister features a fresco series by Luca Signorelli and Giovanni Antonio Bazzi (aka Il Sodoma) illustrating events in the life of St Benedict, founder of the order. There is also a church with magnificent choir stalls of inlaid wood and a refectory frescoed by Fra' Paolo Novelli.

Mass on Sundays (11am) features Gregorian chanting. A donation is requested to visit the abbey's library, museum and pharmacy; visits to the historic cantina (wine cellar), where you can enjoy a wine tasting, are free. Parking costs €1.

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

  • placement: superzone
  • path: destinations/pois/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-689529128158
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "points-of-interest/abbazia-di-monte-oliveto-maggiore/1138395",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Must-see attractions

Explore all
  • placement: superzone
  • path: destinations/pois/superzone
  • containerId: gpt-ad-538453482793
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "points-of-interest/abbazia-di-monte-oliveto-maggiore/1138395",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}