Abbey of Sant'Antimo, Tuscany, Italy
The Abbey of Sant'Antimo (Abbazia di Sant'Antimo) is a Romanesque monastery located near Montalcino, nestled in one of the most picturesque valleys of Tuscany. From the front of the church, the view of rolling hills, olive groves and vineyards is truly unforgettable. The abbey impresses with its simplicity and harmony. Built of light-colored stone, the church has a wooden roof structure and Romanesque columns topped with intricately carved capitals. Inside, you can admire sculptures of human and animal figures, reflecting the medieval symbolism.
The access and parking at the Sant'Antimo Abbey
We began our journey in Montalcino and drove about 10 kilometers south, which took us no more than 15 minutes. Following the Strada Provinciale della Badia di Sant'Antimo (SP 55), we turned right at the intersection (A; GPS 42.994840, 11.519637). From there, a well-maintained asphalt road led us straight to a paid parking area (1; GPS: 43.000660, 11.517329), located within a short walking distance of the abbey.
There is only one parking area marked, but it is conveniently located and usually has enough space except during peak season. From the parking lot, it takes just a few minutes to reach the abbey by foot, along a scenic path surrounded by Tuscan countryside. For larger groups or during events, additional temporary parking may be arranged in nearby meadows.
The abbey buildings
From the parking lot, a wide gravel path leads about 100 meters directly to the abbey. The buildings are beautifully embedded in the Tuscan landscape, and during our visit we witnessed agricultural work taking place on the nearby fields. A large tractor, resembling a bulldozer, was plowing deep furrows — a scene that felt timeless in this rural setting.
The complex includes the main church (B; GPS: 42.999634, 11.515382) and a number of monastic buildings (C; GPS: 42.999219, 11.515390) where monks live and work. There are also cultivated gardens and olive trees surrounding the abbey, adding to its serene and self-sustaining character.
The church is believed to date back to the 9th century, possibly founded under Charlemagne. An inscription from the year 1118 can still be found on the altar, confirming its early medieval origins. The interior is austere yet majestic, with alabaster walls and decorative capitals featuring plants and mythical animals. The front façade displays a striking bas-relief of two lions holding each other's paw, symbolizing protection and unity.
The abbey is open for visits throughout the day, but some areas are accessible only between 10:30–12:30 and 15:00–18:30. At specific hours, the monks gather for prayer, during which the church cannot be visited — but guests are welcome to stay and listen to the Gregorian chants, which add a mystical atmosphere to the visit.
If you're planning to stay for a while, we recommend stopping by the nearby restaurant Osteria Bassomondo in Castelnuovo dell'Abate, known for local Tuscan dishes and peaceful outdoor seating. For coffee and desserts, Caffè Fiaschetteria Italiana 1888 in Montalcino is a stylish, historic café worth a detour.
See also:
See also: