Buonconvento and Monte Uliveto Abbey

Located in the Val d’Orcia, with a very old but intact centre, walls and a miniature Torre della Signoria tower as former city hall, lies right on the Via Cassia. From here commences a considerable climb that proceeds over an undulating profile until we reach Abbazia di Monte Uliveto Maggiore, in a breathtaking location amidst spectacular calanchi (cliffs). A tour of the abbey is advised, although there are only a few original pieces left, like the splendid wooden carvings of the benches of the chorus (seats), the Sodoma - frescoed cloister, and the library which is no longer open to the public. A stop at the restaurant by the main door is suggested for its good food, pleasant garden (in season) even for tasting wines, snacking on ham and cheese, or crostini with olive, truffle, or mushrooms spread, all of this not too far from the ceramics of the Della Robbia school.

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