Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore

One of the oldest winery in Italy. The sommelier was helpful when we visited. We enjoyed the walk to the monastery from the parking area. We really loved the whole experience there.

One of a kind! On the outside the whole complex is built with red bricks, and that in itself is impressive, but then you have a peak at the inside and there’s a deep contrast with the white walls 😯 Just a heads-up that regardless of gender, you will need to cover your shoulders and wear pants that are longer than your knees to enter the places of worship. All in all it the place had a slight serene touch. Do pass by (and maybe support the monks by buying some produce ranging from soaps and creams, to jams, wine, beer, sweets, chocolate, and so much more) ✨

What a peaceful and magical place! I love the library and all the information I could read there. This was totally worth the ride from our agriturismo. But also the amazing wine cellar. The guy working there was very helpful and friendly. We walked around and bought some nice wine.

Beautiful abbey that still has monks living in it. It was very cool that you could walk among actual monks. There is even a little shop where you can buy their own produce (jam, honey, soap etc). We had access to the impressive church, and parts of the monastery itself, where you can see the frescos, the dining hall and library. Outside, there are two chapels and a cemetery. A lot of areas of the monastery and the chapels were closed off to the public, which is a pity. It was still a very serene experience in an idyllic setting. The only downside were a lack of explanations and the expensive parking. We only found out in retrospect that we could have booked a guided tour (in advance). Doing the tour by yourself might not be as informative.

We visited this monastery the first week of December. I made a reservation for la vista accompagnata. Dam Joe was waiting for us. He showed us all the interesting things at the monastery and explained with his humor and made us smile many times. Our visit took 1,30 hour and time flew. Everything was interesting. Dam Joe was a perfect guide for us. Learning and experience. What a beautiful place it is.

First off the parking is just $1e and there is no entrance fee to the abbey. Without question it is a must see. The church itself is breathtaking. Check the sacristy and the room where the monks eat. There are just 30 monks at this beautiful abbey. You park o In a lot when you first come in. Cross the draw bridge past the restaurant after validating your parking ticket which you will need to exit the lot. It's a 10 minute walk on a brick and stone road downhill to the abbey.

The roads and views on the way to the abbey are magical, but the abbey itself is also more than worth the trip. Calm, cool and in an incredibly beautiful location. Attend the service to hear the Gregorian chants if you can.

The Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore is a large Benedictine monastery in the Italian region of Tuscany, 10 km south of Asciano. Its buildings, which are mostly of red brick, are conspicuous against the grey clayey and sandy soil—the Crete senesi which give this area of Tuscany its name. You can purchase wine, oil and other products made by the monks.

Outstanding and breathtaking monastery. It's something definitely not to miss if you are in the area