Set in a luscious valley around forty kilometres from Siena city, lies the breathtaking ruins of the San Galgano Abbey. This medieval Cistercense building attracts many visitors who gaze upon its beautifully designed Romanesque walls and columns. In the hills and valleys surrounding this magnificent building are some beautiful self catering farmhouses, villas and other holiday rentals available to enjoy a peaceful and inspirational stay. What makes this 13th century Abbey look so surreal is its missing roof and grass floor; it seems to have perfectly merged with nature and many have spoken of the peaceful feeling they get as they walk around its walls.
About a ten minute walk from San Galgano Abbey, up the hill of Montesiepi lies a small circular chapel where one of Tuscany’s most mystifying relics resides; ‘The Sword of San Galgano’. A large chunk of rock juts up from the tiled floor of the chapel, and stuck in it is a sword dating from 1170. Only the handle and a small section of the sword is visible giving the impression of a cross. Hundreds of thousands of tourists have come to see this curiously placed sword and it remains a mystery to archaeological scientists as to how it could have happened.
A popular legend surrounding this fascinating relic tells the story of a young knight called Galgano who was born in 1147 and lived near the city of Sienna. One night he had a vision of the archangel Michael who led him down a treacherous path to Montesiepi where he was greeted by the twelve apostles in front of a circular church. They asked him to change his ways and dedicate his life to God but young Galgano was hesitant. He argued that changing his life would be as hard as splitting rocks with his sword and to prove his point, he wielded his sword and thrust it down onto a rock expecting it to snap.
But to his astonishment, the sword drove into the stone! From that day on, Galgano abandoned his duty as a knight and lived the life of a holy man. He lived on the hill of Montesiepi with only wild animals as his companions.
But to his astonishment, the sword drove into the stone! From that day on, Galgano abandoned his duty as a knight and lived the life of a holy man. He lived on the hill of Montesiepi with only wild animals as his companions.
This exciting tale exalts the mystery of ‘The Sword of San Galgano’ to a level of enchantment and awe. Whatever may have happened, the ruins of San Galgano Abbey and the enigma surrounding it will appeal to tourists for many years to come. If your holiday in Italy is located anywhere close to this scenic visitor attraction, it’s well worth taking a full day to explore its secrets!
