Listen to the Chorus of the Angels...
 Listen as the wind sings softly through the marshy lands in the area of Borgonuovo. Hear the gentle rustling of soft fabric as it brushes against the walls of the monastery. See a thousand years rushing back so you can see the essence of humanity. Watch the history of Abbadia a Isola unfold to give its mysterious appearance and disappearance in the annals of time. Come and take shelter within its strong walls and dwell in a powerful monastery.
In the province of Siena, there is a picturesque hamlet on the road that connects Monteriggioni and Strove. Just motor down from Florence on the Florence-Siena road and come out to 'Colle Val d'Elsa Sud'. Just keep on the Monteriggioni on the SS2 'Cassia' till you come to the crossroads of Abbadia a Isola in the Strove valley. As was the fashion of the ancient times, Ava who was the sorrowing widow of Ildebrando dei Lambardia of Staggia built a family owned Benedictine monastery dedicated to San Salvatore. This 'submansio' or halting place in the area of Borgonuovo on Via Francigena was even documented by Sigeric, the Archbishop of Canterbury.
 Tread carefully over the marshy ground where the Isola Abbey was built at the important and historic crossroads of Florence, Siena, Fiesole and Volterra. Following the norms of the medieval society, the leaning of the noble families towards monasticism was common which displayed the wealth and heritage of the ancient families of yore. In keeping with this, the sprawling Abbadia Abbey held complete sway over the region which increased its power by controlling the territory. Built on February 4th in the year 1001, the Abbey was documented from 1050 as a pilgrim's area of refuge and from 1102 as a hospice offering assistance to wayfarers.
Come and take in its quiet ambience, the gentle chanting of the monks and soft tread of footsteps echoing between its walls. The building of the monastery gateway, towers and walls was expanded during the 11th and the 12th centuries. Come and pray at the Abbey Church which was consecrated in 1173 dedicated to San Cirino. Walk through its three apses and three naves built between poly-lobed pillars and Lombard columns which closely resembled the Benedictine Abbey of Val D'Elsa. Today you can only see the twin portals of the church.
 Feel the winds of change during the 13th and 14th centuries when the Abbey no longer held power. The beautiful Abbadia a Isola fell prey to the rule of the government and became as all other establishments of its kind under the castle chain system with defensive walls and a moat. This was established between the years 1375-76 across the boundaries of the county of Siena to protect the city from the attack of the Free Companies. This was the beginning of the end of the lovely Abbadia a Isola as the city came under the control of the Grand Duchy of the Medicis in 1554. Come and see the strangely named Abbadia a Isola, which was so called as it gave the appearance of an island amongst its marshy surroundings. Though the Cistercian Abbey of San Salvatore dates back to the 11th century and re-built again in the 18th century, all that remains are the 14th frescoes, the sacristy, one side of the cloister and a building which is used as a farm today.
 Walk through the lovely lanes between beautiful medieval houses and go to the lovely countryside filled with miles of sunflowers, wheat fields and lush greenery. Experience an aesthetic encounter with the artistic Sano di Pietro (who trained in Duccio's workshop), Taddeo di Bartolo and Tamagni, the talented artists who left a heritage of art which still enchants and adorns the place.
Experience the winds of change... |
