If you feel like embarking on an exciting excursion, whether it is a cloudy day or simply an alternative afternoon to the beach, this inland tour is exactly what you need. Starting from Villa Ari in San Vincenzo, we propose an unforgettable tour that winds through ancient woods, jewel-like villages, and places shrouded in myth.
First Stop: Massa Marittima, the Jewel of the Woods
Our itinerary continues beyond Suvereto, taking a splendid road traced through the dense woods north and along the edge of the wild Montioni Park. Before your eyes, Massa Marittima will open up, a medieval village of rare beauty where time seems to have stood still.
The beating heart of the town is Piazza Garibaldi. The advice is to start your visit from here, and then get lost on foot along the characteristic cobblestone side streets.
The Cathedral of San Cerbone: National Monument
The absolute protagonist of the village is the Cathedral of Massa Marittima (Cathedral of San Cerbone), awarded the prestigious title of national monument by the Italian State.
The Architecture: It is an imposing Romanesque church built between the 11th and 14th centuries. It boasts a length of 60 meters and a majestic bell tower 40 meters high. The influence of the Pisan Romanesque style is evident in the facade.
The Artworks: In the panels of the main portal stand out the 13th-century bas-reliefs with the Stories of San Cerbone. Inside, the three naves divided by large columns guard unique masterpieces: the 13th-century baptismal font, the splendid 14th-century stained glass window of the central rose window, and the famous Majesty by Duccio di Buoninsegna dating back to 1316.
📌
Logistical note: Massa Marittima is about 32 km (38 minutes) from the next stop of San Galgano.
Second Stop: The Abbey of San Galgano and the Sword in the Stone
Continuing the itinerary in the municipality of Chiusdino, you reach one of the most mystical and photographed places in Italy:
San Galgano Abbey
. This grandiose 13th-century Gothic temple is famous worldwide for a unique feature: it is completely roofless, letting its imposing naves open directly towards the sky, creating a solemn and unforgettable atmosphere. A short distance away, in the Montesiepi Hermitage, you can admire up close the real and legendary
Sword in the Stone
, thrust by the knight Galgano Guidotti in 1180 as a sign of renunciation of war.
To plan your visit at best, consult the website of the Municipality of Chiusdino to check the updated opening hours and entrance ticket costs.
A little curiosity nearby: The "Mulino Bianco"
A short distance away, still in the territory of Chiusdino, is the famous medieval mill of the piles (Mulino delle Pile) which was chosen as the set for the famous and historic commercial of "Mulino Bianco" in the early 90s. A nice stop for a souvenir photo!
📌
Overall logistical note: The complete journey from San Vincenzo to Chiusdino/San Galgano covers about 71 km, drivable in 1 hour and 28 minutes.
Stage Two: The Abbey of San Galgano and the Sword in the Stone
Continuing Continuing along the route through the municipality of Chiusdino, you come to one of the most mystical and most photographed places in Italy: Proseguendo l'itinerario nel comune di Chiusdino, si raggiunge uno dei luoghi più mistici e fotografati d'Italia:
San Galgano Abbey
.This magnificent 13th-century Gothic cathedral is famous throughout the world for one unique feature: it has no roof at all, allowing its imposing naves to open directly up to the sky, creating a solemn and unforgettable atmosphere. A short distance away, at the Hermitage of Montesiepi, you can admire up close the real and legendary Sword in the Stone, which was thrust into the rock by the knight Galgano Guidotti in 1180 as a symbol of renouncing war.
To plan your visit as effectively as possible, please visit the Chiusdino Town Council website to check the latest opening times and admission prices.
A little bit of local trivia: The ‘Mulino Bianco’
A short distance away, still within the Chiusdino area, stands the famous medieval watermill, which was chosen as the setting for the well-known and historic Mulino Bianco advert in the early 1990s. A lovely spot for a souvenir photo!
📌General logistical note: The entire journey from San Vincenzo to Chiusdino/San Galgano covers approximately 71 km, which can be covered in 1 hour and 28 minutes.
