Monte Oliveto Maggiore
To go Back at any time,
use Browser's "Previous Page"
Our journey to this active Benedictine monastery had a double benefit. It gave us fresh views of the pretty Tuscan landscape and a look at the famous frescoes depicting the life of St. Benedict.
The abbey is a sprawling complex. It was begun in 1393 and essentially complete by 1526:
An imposing tower with a drawbridge, part of the original defenses erected to protect the monastery, stands at the entrance. We passed through under the gaze of the Madonna and Child:
Many others like us were waiting for the afternoon visiting hours to begin:
The abbey has three 15th century cloisters, of which the Great Cloister is most richly adorned:
On its walls are 36 large scenes which recount the life of St. Benedict. The frescoes are in remarkable shape for being 500 years old and having been exposed most of that time to outdoor conditions. (Today, the cloister walkway is protected from the elements by glass windows.)
Here is a sample of the scenes, this one depicting Benedict leaving home on his way to study in Rome:
Others depict accomplishments of the saint or miracles attributed to him.
Having contemplated all 36 scenes without the benefit of English labels and having explored the grounds to our hearts’ content, we exited the gatehouse with the obvious blessing of St. Benedict:
