The monastery was founded on a desert-like ridge known as the 'Accona Desert' before the monks implemented irrigation and planting.
Luca Signorelli and Il Sodoma split the work on the Great Cloister frescoes, which are noted for their detailed depictions of Renaissance-era daily life.
The wooden choir in the church was created by Fra Giovanni da Verona and consists of 125 stalls.
The pharmacy collection includes 17th-century ceramic drug jars and rare botanical texts.
The monks produce their own wine and olive oil using techniques adapted to the clay-rich soil of the Crete Senesi.
The monastery is located at an elevation of approximately 270 meters above sea level.
Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore is the mother house of the Olivetan Benedictine congregation, founded in 1313 by Bernardo Tolomei. The monastery is famously encircled by a distinctive grove of cypress trees within the Crete Senesi landscape. The Great Cloister contains a cycle of 35 frescoes illustrating the life of Saint Benedict, painted by Luca Signorelli and Il Sodoma between 1497 and 1505. The church interior features a 15th-century wooden choir, considered one of the finest examples of intarsia work in Italy. The monastery complex also houses an ancient library, an apothecary museum, and a refectory decorated with a large fresco. The site remains an active monastery where monks follow the Rule of Saint Benedict.
The perspective of the Great Cloister frescoes from the center of the arcade.
Visit the library to view the collection of illuminated manuscripts and historical liturgical books.
Walk the wooded paths surrounding the abbey for views of the unique erosion patterns in the surrounding badlands.
Sample the monastery-produced wine at the onsite shop.
Do not attempt to access the private quarters of the monks, which are strictly off-limits to visitors.
The abbey is open daily year-round, though some internal sections may close briefly for mid-day religious services.
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required; maintain silence in religious areas.
