San Galgano Abbey and surroundings - 52 km from San Gimignano
The place includes two points of attraction: the great Abbey with a huge roofless church and Monte Siepi Hermitage, where according to the legend, San Galgano retired to hermit life in 1170. As a symbol of peace he stuck his sword inside the rock, where it is still found today. Start the tour by taking a nice walk through the avenue of cypress trees that leads to the Abbey. This ancient Gothic church that is now left without its roof really impress the visitor. During summer (from June to August) at this wonderful Abbey takes place the Musical Summer of San Galgano with music evenings. After visiting the Abbey, take the path indicated towards the Hermitage of Monte Siepi. Now on the site there is a chapel that was built after the death of San Galgano in 1181, here there is the stone where San Galgano stuck his sword to start the new life of faith. On your return to San Gimignano you can stop in the small medieval villages of Chiusdino and Montalcinello, and Radicofani where you can enjoy one of the most renowned pizzas in Tuscany at La Pergola restaurant (reservations must be made well in advance).