Why not stretch your legs in the lively town of Monticiano?
This pretty part of Siena province is situated on the right bank of the Val di Merse and is included in the Metalliferous Hills nature area that is bordered by several regions.
Visit the local ‘Buca dei Falchi’, a huge cave full of stalactites and stalagmites for a few hours or stroll along the many guided walking, cycling or horse riding tours available around this picturesque town.
The ancient hamlet of Castello di Tocchi is only a few minutes’ walk away and would be the perfect setting to enjoy a picnic meal as you gaze around the peaceful environment of colourful flowers and trees. Sit back and relax in the healing thermal springs of Bagni di Petriolo, a frazioni of Monticiano which is very popular with tourists.
This pretty part of Siena province is situated on the right bank of the Val di Merse and is included in the Metalliferous Hills nature area that is bordered by several regions.
Visit the local ‘Buca dei Falchi’, a huge cave full of stalactites and stalagmites for a few hours or stroll along the many guided walking, cycling or horse riding tours available around this picturesque town.
The ancient hamlet of Castello di Tocchi is only a few minutes’ walk away and would be the perfect setting to enjoy a picnic meal as you gaze around the peaceful environment of colourful flowers and trees. Sit back and relax in the healing thermal springs of Bagni di Petriolo, a frazioni of Monticiano which is very popular with tourists.
Less than 8km northwest of Monticiano are the majestic ruins of the San Galgano Abbey. Admire the huge walls and columns of this incredible sight and just imagine how stunning it was in its prime.
San Galgano Abbey dates back to the 13th century and although its roof and floors have long since disintegrated; it still holds a strengthening presence and seems to blend almost seamlessly into its natural surroundings.
A short walk from the abbey on top of Montesiepi hill is a small chapel in which a legend was born.
See the large rock here which rises from the tiled chapel floors in which a sword is deeply buried in. Tourists can see only a small section of the metal sword and the handle which gives the appearance of a cross which has been named ‘The Sword of San Galgano’.
The intriguing legend surrounding the sword in the stone tells the story of a young knight called Galgano who was born in 1147 and lived near Siena. One night he had a vision of the archangel Michael who led him down a dangerous path to Montesiepi where he was greeted by the twelve apostles in front of a circular church.
San Galgano Abbey dates back to the 13th century and although its roof and floors have long since disintegrated; it still holds a strengthening presence and seems to blend almost seamlessly into its natural surroundings.
A short walk from the abbey on top of Montesiepi hill is a small chapel in which a legend was born.
See the large rock here which rises from the tiled chapel floors in which a sword is deeply buried in. Tourists can see only a small section of the metal sword and the handle which gives the appearance of a cross which has been named ‘The Sword of San Galgano’.
The intriguing legend surrounding the sword in the stone tells the story of a young knight called Galgano who was born in 1147 and lived near Siena. One night he had a vision of the archangel Michael who led him down a dangerous path to Montesiepi where he was greeted by the twelve apostles in front of a circular church.
They asked him to change his ways and dedicate his life to God but young Galgano was hesitant. He argued that changing his life would be as hard as splitting rocks with his sword and to prove his point, he wielded his sword and thrust it down onto a rock expecting it to snap.
But to his amazement, the sword sunk deep into the stone! From that day on, Galgano changed his ways and lived the life of a holy man. He lived the rest of his days on Montesiepi hill with wild animals as his companions!
Whatever may have happened, the ruins of San Galgano Abbey and the enigma surrounding the sword in the stone will attract visitors for many years to come.
So come and spend an incredible vacation in Siena province and include a visit to Monticiano, San Galgano Abbey and the Sword in the Stone to enrich your tourist experience!
But to his amazement, the sword sunk deep into the stone! From that day on, Galgano changed his ways and lived the life of a holy man. He lived the rest of his days on Montesiepi hill with wild animals as his companions!
Whatever may have happened, the ruins of San Galgano Abbey and the enigma surrounding the sword in the stone will attract visitors for many years to come.
So come and spend an incredible vacation in Siena province and include a visit to Monticiano, San Galgano Abbey and the Sword in the Stone to enrich your tourist experience!
Photo credits
picture 1: Scarlot73 / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Vignaccia76 / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Alexmar983 / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 1: Scarlot73 / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Vignaccia76 / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Alexmar983 / CC BY-SA 3.0
