Abbey of Sant’Antimo: opening hours, visits, when to see it

Art & Culture

We’re in Tuscany, in Montalcino, exploring a structure where every stone tells a story. A mystical place that allows us to breathe in the medieval atmosphere and travel back in time, immersed in the unspoiled nature of Tuscany, blending legends and history: the Abbey of Sant'Antimo. Getting there is an ode to nature, a journey through incredible centuries-old olive groves, fields of grains, and green expanses leading directly to this sacred land. Here are some fascinating insights into this imposing structure, located in a valley at the foot of the village of Castelnuovo dell’Abate, just 10 minutes from Montalcino.



How Was the Abbey of Sant’Antimo Built?

Numerous legends surround the origins of this structure, including its founding. It is said that Charlemagne founded the abbey in 781 when he was forced to stop at this location due to a disease afflicting his warriors, preventing them from continuing their journey. An angel is said to have come to his aid, instructing him on how to prepare an infusion with local herbs that would save his army from death. In gratitude, Charlemagne built a sacred chapel that would eventually become the imposing abbey we see today, constructed over the years by Benedictine monks.

Composition of the Abbey

Adjacent to the main Abbey structure, you’ll find the Cloister, featuring a courtyard at its center and gardens used by the monks as a passageway. Next to the Cloister is the Monastic Pharmacy, which once safeguarded the monks' treasures. Today, it is rich with medicinal remedies crafted by the monks and available for purchase. Part of the structure is designated for spiritual retreats, whether solo or in small groups, or for those simply seeking to experience the peace of this place for more than a day. Incredible walking paths will lead you to visit the monastic apiary, the heart of artisan honey production crafted by the monks' skilled hands, following centuries-old traditions. The honey is available for purchase within the abbey.

The Garden of Hildegard is dedicated to the namesake Saint Hildegard, a Benedictine abbess known for her expertise in plants and herbal remedies, to which she dedicated a lifetime of study. The garden still cultivates the herbs she studied and selected. Hildegard also categorized human ailments into three types, associating each with a specific medicinal plant for treatment. Due to the large influx of visitors, a picnic area has been created, offering shaded spots under trees where visitors can rest or enjoy their packed lunches in serene peace. Nearby, you’ll find a centuries-old olive grove where monks continue to hand-pick olives to produce incredibly fragrant extra virgin olive oil.

Sacred Chapel

Guided Tours, Hours, When to Visit

Accessing the Abbey is straightforward, thanks to its generous opening hours, accommodating families and explorers alike. Sant’Antimo is open every day from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM from April 1st to October 31st, and from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM from November 1st to March 31st.

You can visit the Abbey any day of the year to closely observe this incredible piece of history, a blend of art and religion. For those deeply curious and unwilling to miss even a single detail of the Abbey’s history, two audio guides are available at the Welcome Desk. One is dedicated to exploring the church, explaining all its mysteries, and the other, titled "The Path of Light,” guides you through all areas of the Abbey along a specific and informative route. To ensure a spot or ask questions, you can send an email to abbazia@antimo.it.

For an extraordinarily evocative experience, we recommend visiting during morning hours. It is also advisable to check the schedule for Masses, offering a fully immersive experience of seeing the chapel filled, transporting you back to medieval times. During Sunday Mass, you can listen to the famous Gregorian chants, an unforgettable experience to witness at least once in a lifetime. Visit the Enjoy Montalcino website to discover more curiosities about the wonders of Montalcino and its surroundings.
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