This monastery, standing among a grove of cypresses, was founded
in 1313 by a group of wealthy Sienese who wished to escape to
a life of rural simplicity. Their successors were less purist
and managed to acquire some of the finest works of art in southern
Tuscany. The choir-stalls by Fra Giovanni da Verona, have wonderful
intarsia (mosaic woodwork) depicting musical instruments, still
lives and views of ideal Renaissance towns. Contemporary with
these, between 1497 and 1508, Signorelli and Sodoma frescoed
the great cloister with episodes from the Life of St Benedict.
Signorelli's scenes, to the right of the entrance, where the
figures flex their muscles to maximum effect, contrast with Sodoma's
scenes, painted in a softer style, the figures set against feathery
landscapes. The monastery grew so large that it was capable of
housing Charles V and 2,000 followers in the 16th century.
Tel
0039 0577 707611
Opening times
Daily 9.30am-12pm, 2.30-6pm
Getting there
Take the Cassia (S.S.2) south from Siena to Buonconvento
(about 25 km), and turn left onto the road for Asciano.
Park outside the gate and follow the cypress-lined lane
that leads down to the monastery
