Abbey of Sant’Antimo photo spot

The origins of this church are shrouded in legend. The Abbey, a jewel of medieval mysticism, is situated 9km from Montalcino, in the valley of the Starcia torrent (that flows from the Orcia River), near the town of Castelnuovo dell’Abate. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in an ancient Roman style, which also has elements of the French and Lombardy styles. According to ancient legend, the abbey was founded by Charlemagne, who, returning from Rome with his followers along the Via Francigena, he stopped to rest and escape the plague in the Starcia valley. The Emperor stayed there until the threat of plague was over, and to give thanks, he founded the Abbey of St. Antimo.