San Galgano and the Sword in the Stone
- True Tuscany
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Off the Beaten Path: A Visit to Abbazia di San Galgano
Tuscany is full of iconic sites—but some of its most magical places are the ones that don’t show up on the typical travel itinerary. One of those is the hauntingly beautiful Abbazia di San Galgano, a roofless 13th-century Cistercian abbey located just outside the town of Chiusdino.
Only about an hour and a half from Cipresso e Pietra, it’s the perfect day trip for travelers craving history, scenery, and a touch of legend. It is also a great itinerary item to tack on to a half day in Siena.
What Makes San Galgano So Special?
San Galgano is unlike any other abbey in Tuscany. Once a grand and thriving monastery, it was abandoned centuries ago and slowly surrendered to the elements. Today, its stone walls still stand tall—but its roof is long gone. The result? A breathtaking open-air cathedral, where light and sky pour in through gothic arches, and silence echoes across the stone floor.
It’s important to know that the San Galgano site includes multiple buildings—the famous roofless abbey is just one part. A short walk uphill leads to the Rotonda di Montesiepi, which many visitors unfortunately miss. But don’t skip it—this is where the true legend awaits.
The Real Sword in the Stone 🗡️
Just a short walk uphill from the abbey, you’ll find the Rotonda di Montesiepi, a small round chapel with a seriously magical secret: a sword, embedded in stone.
The legend tells of Galgano Guidotti, a 12th-century nobleman who gave up a life of wealth and war after a divine vision. To symbolize his commitment to peace, he plunged his sword into a stone—declaring it as useless as violence itself.
Unlike the Arthurian tale, this sword is real. Scientific testing confirmed it dates back to the 12th century, and the chapel even houses relics said to belong to Galgano himself.
Too often, visitors stop at the abbey and never make it up the hill—but the sword in the stone is not to be missed.
Interestingly, some historians believe that the legend of San Galgano may have influenced the more widely known Arthurian tale. While Disney’s The Sword in the Stone draws from medieval British lore, the Galgano story predates many written versions of the Arthurian myth—making this Tuscan hilltop one of the earliest known examples of a sword-in-the-stone tale.
Travel Tips
When to go: Late afternoon is ideal—fewer crowds and soft, golden light.
What to wear: Comfortable shoes. You'll want to explore both the abbey and the chapel uphill.
Tickets: You can buy a combined ticket for both the abbey and Montesiepi chapel on site.
Stop for lunch or coffee in Chiusdino - In July through November there is often the Chiusdino Creative Open-Air Photo Exhibition as part of the Siena Awards Photo Festival. This exhibition showcased large-format photographs displayed throughout the village, offering visitors a unique blend of art and history. For the most current information on upcoming events and exhibitions in Chiusdino, it's recommended to visit the official Siena Awards website at sienawards.com or check local tourism resources.
Why We Love It
San Galgano is the kind of place that lingers with you—quiet, soulful, and wrapped in layers of history and myth. It’s not on every traveler’s radar, which makes it feel even more special.
If you're staying with us at Cipresso e Pietra and want to experience this incredible spot, just let us know—we’re happy to help plan the perfect slow travel day trip.
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