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San Galgano Abbey

San Galgano Abbey

Highlight • Religious Site

San Galgano Abbey

Name: San Galgano Abbey
Rating: 2

Recommended by 2 mountain bikers

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Location: Chiusdino, Siena, Tuscany, Italy

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Best Mountain Biking Routes to San Galgano Abbey

4.5

(8)

riders

1. Chiusdino – Abbey of San Galgano loop from Ciciano

38.5km

02:51

690m

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

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Moderate

4.7

(6)

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2. Abbey of San Galgano – Chiusdino loop from Montieri

38.6km

02:51

790m

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.5

(2)

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3. Hermitage of Montesiepi – Abbey of San Galgano loop from Roccatederighi

64.1km

04:24

970m

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

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Hard

Tips

Stenio Melani

September 27, 2025

The Abbey of San Galgano was built between 1218 and 1288 by Cistercian monks from Casamari, a town near Frosinone. It holds historical significance as the first Gothic church built in all of Tuscany.

The location chosen by the Cistercian monks for the Abbey of San Galgano was no accident; it was located near natural resources: the Merse River for water, forests for timber, a plain suitable for farming, and the Maremmana road, an important communication route.

The Abbey of San Galgano was immediately an important institution for the area, hosting great personalities, but it was soon struck by several disasters: famine in 1329, the plague in 1348, and subsequent sacking by various armies. This led the Cistercian monks to leave the abbey permanently at the end of the fifteenth century, moving to the San Galgano palace in nearby Siena.

Translated by Google •

Stenio Melani

September 27, 2025

Following several collapses, the church was officially deconsecrated in 1789 and converted into a farm. Some restoration work dates back to the 19th century, but the main restoration, undertaken with the aim of preserving the structure, dates back to 1926.

The Abbey of San Galgano lacks a roof because, following the abandonment of the Cistercian monks in the late 15th century, the building was neglected. As a result, it was subject to the elements and raids.

During the 16th century, the church was stripped of its lead roofing, and two centuries later, in 1781, the remaining sections of the roof also collapsed. Then, in 1786, during a storm, lightning severely struck the church, particularly its bell tower, knocking it down.

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Informations

Elevation 350 m

Weather

Wednesday 10 December

14°C

5°C

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Location: Chiusdino, Siena, Tuscany, Italy

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San Galgano Abbey

1. Chiusdino – Abbey of San Galgano loop from Ciciano

2. Abbey of San Galgano – Chiusdino loop from Montieri

3. Hermitage of Montesiepi – Abbey of San Galgano loop from Roccatederighi

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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