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One of the most breathtaking sights in Asciano is the Abbazia, or Abbey, of Monte Oliveto Maggiore. It is located on a hilltop, immersed in a dark yet beautiful natural landscape, and is marked by a suggestive, mystical history. Indeed, the abbey’s origins date back to the middle ages, when Saint Bernardino decided to abandon all his earthly riches and possessions to follow a life of poverty and solitude. On this mountain, in this seemingly inhospitable area, Saint Bernardino decided to found a congregation of Olivetan monks in 1319.

Even today, the monastery still preserves its original configuration. It is accessed by a small sliver of land, located between steep cliffs and pits. The external part of the monastery is dominated by a large tower, constructed at the end of the 14th century. Once you pass the tower, there is a long, tree-line street that leads to the Gothic-Romanesque abbey, which still hosts certain religious ceremonies. The interior of the abbey, renovated in Baroque style, houses a number of precious works of art, including an engraved wooden choir and a frescoed cloister. The monastery also houses a very rich library and an ancient “pharmacy”, where monks still produce honey and liquors with herbs.

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