The Mystical Legend Of Sant’Antimo Abbey
Friday, April 26, 2013 Donna Quinn
In the beautiful hilltop village of Montalcino you will be gifted with the sight of colourful hills, valleys of red and yellow flowers, ripening olive trees and delicious sunshine as you look at the beauty and peace that surrounds this place. Only a short drive along a winding road outside the fortified walls of Montalcino stands the breathtaking Sant’Antimo Abbey. This 12th century Benedictine monastery, famous for its architecture and the many legends which encase it seems perfectly situated in its isolation.
Surrounded by the fruits of nature, this majestic Abbey will evoke a sense of awe and wonderment among any visitor who encounters it. There are many picturesque villas and other types of accommodation here to rent and enjoy the picturesque countryside all around.
One of the most popular legends enveloping the Abbey says that it was founded in 781 by Charlemagne, a famous Frankish leader also known as the ‘Father of Europe’. He and his army were travelling back from Rome when he noticed his men falling ill with a mysterious virus. They stopped to rest and Charlemagne had a vision of an angel telling him to make a drink infusion using a local herb and to give it to his soldiers to drink. The cure worked and as a token of his gratitude, Charlemagne ordered a church to be built on this site in honour of this miracle.
View of the Abbey and of the hills that surrounding it
Still in use, this solemn giant of stone attracts many travellers who rest here on their way along the ancient path called ‘Via Francigena’ that connected Rome to the rest of Europe. During mass, the enchanting hymns sung by the French monks inside flow out into the open air and can be heard from the village of Montalcino. Dressed in white robes, these monks have continued the sombre tradition of a secluded life which adds a sense of mysticism to observing visitors. This is an awe inspiring sight which should certainly be visited if you happen to be holidaying in Italy. The village of Montalcino is just over forty kilometres from the city of Siena and would be an excellent choice for a day trip.
[ Ссылка ]

свернуть