Abbey of Sant'Antimo
ChurchVal d'OrciaAbout 1 hour
A twelfth-century abbey alone in a valley of olives below Montalcino, built in pale travertine that turns gold late in the day. Almost nothing around it, which is the point. Free, and if the hours align the monastic chant in the nave is worth arranging a day around.
romanesquequietfree
More around Val d'Orcia
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The rest of the guides, and the catalogue behind them.
Where to stay in ItalyTwenty-two areas, who each suits, and how many to fit in.Best time to visitMonth by month — heat, crowds, prices and what closes.Knowing the formCoffee, churches, tipping and the small courtesies.Trip ideasReady-made routes you can hand straight to the planner.
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