This is the Abbey of Santa Mustiola near Torri in Tuscany. The Abbey is otherwise known as the Chiesa della Santissima Trinità e di Santa Mustiola, first recorded in 1070, with its cloister dating from 13-14 C. The Abbey of Santa Mustiola is unique in Tuscany in having preserved its Romanesque character, including its beautiful cloister, despite subsequent restorations. It’s hard to understand why so few tourists ever visit this splendid structure.
Abbey of Santa Mustiola near Torri in Tuscany, Italy
The Abbey of Santa Mustiola in located in the Val di Merse, a heavily wooded area SW of Sienna and easily accessible from Sienna and Chianti. Strangely, the forests and villages in this area around Sovicille are home to several large monasteries, both active and in ruins, as well as many ancient pievi (parish churches).
The Romanesque ground level of the cloister of the Abbey consists of eleven arches on each side, supported by slender columns capped by capitals that are richly carved with floral motifs, and above which are pulvini decorated with fabulous beasts, supporting elegant arches constructed from black and white stones. Two additional loggias were added a later date, in brick and, at the top level, in wood.
A carved capital in the cloister of the Abbey of Santa Mustiola near Sienna
The church houses the Romanesque stone altar and a plaque by Luca di Tommè depicting the Madonna and Child.
More about the Abbey of Santa Mustiola.
More about the Abbeys of Tuscany.
More about the Romanesque parish churches of Chianti.
About Elena Spolaor
Although Elena was born in Venice, she was brought up in Tuscany and is a historian and frequent contributor to online articles about life in Tuscany and Umbria. Her specialities are Tuscan and Umbrian local history and folklore.
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