The best walks and hikes around Chiusdino

Chiusdino is a wonderful medieval village located in the Merse Valley among the Metalliferous Hills. Its origins date back to the Lombard domination of Tuscany between 568 and 569. The town still retains its medieval appearance and some sections of the double city walls. It is also possible to find medieval houses, including the alleged house of San Galgano (Galgano Guidotti), where the saint is believed to have been born around 1150.

The Montesiepi Hermitage was built immediately after the saint's death, over the ancient hut where San Galgano lived during his last year (1181). The hermitage was consecrated in 1185 by the bishop of Volterra, Ildebrando Pannocchieschi. The small complex consists of the circular church interrupted only by the small apse, the chapel with frescoes by Lorenzetti, and the entrance porch. In the porch, look down to the left and look for an "original" medieval plaque that reminds the pilgrim... that he must die and that life is short. The original church was circular, then the entrance hall was added in 1200. The bell tower and Lorenzetti's chapel were added in the following century. The rectory dates back to the 18th century. The dome, constructed from alternating rows of white stones, is extremely elegant. Inside the Hermitage, in the center of the Rotonda, there is the famous Sword of San Galgano, stuck in the rock for over 800 years.

Built in the 13th century in Gothic style and dedicated to the saint from Chiusdino, today it is completely in ruins: only the walls remain standing, with the apse still in evidence, perfectly facing east, while on the upper part of the facade there are two pointed windows. The roof of the Abbey of San Galgano is no longer there today. The "official" version says that it deteriorated and then fell over the centuries, while an alternative version, according to some legend and according to others truth, states that it was originally made of lead, and was sold by Girolamo Vitelli in 1550. Whatever the truth behind the roof of the abbey, after some restoration attempts that went badly, at the end of the 18th century it was deconsecrated and left to the elements until the present day. The ruins of the Abbey of San Galgano, with its profile still intact and immersed in the Tuscan countryside, offer a truly incredible and particular view. In addition to the roof, the floor is also missing, which during the summer turns into a grassy blanket, while you can still see a transept with three naves and 4 chapels with cross vaults. Next to the Abbey of San Galgano there is the cloister, which was rebuilt at the beginning of the last century, using the original materials. Some accessory rooms are also very beautiful, which can also be visited with the entrance ticket to the abbey, including the chapter house, where the monks originally met to deliberate the main rules of the community, and the scriptorium, which was the place where the monks copied the manuscripts.

Mill half hidden by vegetation, the stone millstones remain clearly visible.

A great view of the surrounding mountains.

a great view of the surrounding landscape

This small place is truly beautiful. You will always discover old or new art on the walls of the houses. The old, small and narrow streets invite you to explore.

Museo Civico e Diocesano d’Arte Sacra di San Galgano - Museum in the Palazzo Taddei in the town center. Contains, among others, the works “Madonna col Bambino” by Niccolò di Segna (1336, comes from the church of San Michele) and “San Michele Arcangelo appare a San Galgano” by Niccolò Franchini (18th century - comes from Montesiepi)