Day 5

Day 5 - September 19, 2007

The weather continues to treat us well - warm sunny to partly sunny days. A bit humid at times but overall it has been near perfect.

Today we went to the ruins of a Gothic church (built in 1224) of the Cistercian monks of San Galgano. The church itself was without roof or windows but still connected to the rest of the monastery which seemed in reasonable condition. The scriptorium was intact complete with small chambers for candles to keep the ink warm and and a small stove to warm the hands. Nearby on a substantial hill, which we had to climb, is a small but attractive church dedicated to the local saint, Galgano Guidoti, who, after his escapades in the Crusades decided to pursue the monastic life. To show his mother that he had put the life of a knight behind him, he plunged his sword into a rock and to prove that he did it, the rock with embedded sword are there for all willing to walk up the hill to see.

There are 4 photos, one of the approach to the ruins with the tall cyprus trees lining the road (these trees are all over the place used in a similar manner), a view from the side of the cathedral and one from inside the nave. The other is of the Saint’s church up on the hill.

We had a very nice picnic on the grounds of this monastery (after shopping in a nearby Coop) before moving on to Monte Oliveto and another church, this time one of the Renaissance period with the story of the life of a St. Benedict (lots of saints in these parts) painted on the walls of the church. This is an active monastery with Monks gliding around the halls in full habit.
Photos here include one of the church and tower.

The scenery we pass in all the driving continues to be beautiful but it is hard to capture in a photo - we’ll keep trying and post one when we get a good one.

This is our last day at Tavarnelle - so tonight we pack for our move to Assisi tomorrow - enroute we will visit another Benedictine church and the town of Pienza before moving on to Assisi.

More tomorrow.
Rich