Hermitage of San Galgano

The Hermitage of San Galgano, better known as the Chapel of Montesiepi, is a fascinating place of Catholic worship located in the picturesque town of Montesiepi, in the municipality of Chiusdino, in the province of Siena. This beautiful church is a place of intriguing spirituality and history, the custodian of one of Tuscany's most fascinating legends: the "sword in the stone" of the noble knight Galgano Guidotti.

According to these historical accounts, Guidotti planted his sword in a rock as a sign of renunciation of worldly life and religious conversion. This moment of solemn dedication took place before his death, after which he chose to live as a hermit in the hermitage that now houses his legendary sword.

Built in 1185 to commemorate St. Galgano's conversion and ascetic life, the original chapel was enriched in later centuries with the addition of an atrium and a side chapel. Architecturally, the Hermitage of Montesiepi boasts a medieval gem: a bell gable composed of two overlapping openings.

In the seventeenth century, the building was equipped with a blind lantern built on the roof, while the construction of the rectory house and buildings for agricultural use took place in the late eighteenth century. These structures underwent major restoration works in 1924 and 1974, preserving their historic features while offering a renovated appearance.

One of the gems of the Hermitage, definitely not to be missed, is the rectangular chapel frescoed by Ambrogio Lorenzetti in the first half of the 14th century. Despite the degradation of time, numerous scenes can still be appreciated, including a striking Majesty, an Annunciation and several depictions of saints and angels.

In the Majesty fresco, the Madonna, traditionally depicted with Baby Jesus, originally held a scepter and globe, symbolizing her heavenly power. This initial version was later modified by the artist for a more traditional version.

The Hermitage of St. Galgano at Montesiepi is a fascinating journey through nature, history and spirituality. This magical place captures the imagination of its visitors, transporting them back in time and providing a vivid portrait of medieval hermitism and the renunciation of earthly temptations for a life of devotion and introspection.