Travel Tip: Sant’Antimo Abbey near Montalcino

If you are traveling to Montalcino or driving through Val d’Orcia, make time to visit Sant’Antimo Abbey, a 12th-century Romanesque church sitting serenely with a picturesque backdrop.

Picturesque setting

Just about 10km south of the town on Montalcino, you don’t have to be religious to appreciate the stunning architecture and the mesmerizing Gregorian chant during the religious services.

Opening Hours

Sant’Antimo Abbey

The church is open for prayers from 5.30am to 9.00pm, except on Sundays when they open at 7.00am. Remember that this is a place of prayer so please be considerate and respect the request for silence during the visits. Also no photos or videos are allowed during the religious service. Here’s a schedule of when prayer services are conducted to listen to the chants.

Visiting Hours – Weekdays: From 10.30am to 12.30pm / 3.00pm to 6.30pm and Weekends: 9.15-10.45am / 3.00-6.00.pm

Interior of the church

How to get there

While the easiest way to get here is by car, information provided on their official website in Italian mentions that you could take a train to Buonconvento, the nearest railway station. From there you would take a bus to Montalcino where you can take another  bus to Castelnuovo dell’Abate, the town were Sant’Antimo is situated. Here’s the link to check the bus schedule from Montalcino.

Other contact details

I-53020 Castelnuovo dell’Abate (SI)
Tel: +39 0577 835659
Fax: +39 0577 835603
Email: abbazia@antimo.it
Website: http://www.antimo.it 

Additional resources

Hiking trail to Montalcino

We saw many cyclists making their way to the abbey and before reaching the church, they turned right onto a dirt path. Apparently, it is a well-marked trail leading to Montalcino and takes about two hours on foot per way. More information here at this site (scroll down to Abbazia di Sant’Antimo)

Sant’Antimo church – Ray of light

Sant’Antimo Abbey – Tuscany’s Romanesque Treasure by Map It Out – Montalcino – A handy post that not only delves into the history of the abbey but also shares tips on nearby wineries that you can visit as well as places to eat.

Sant’Antimo by Montalcino.net – Specific details on the history and architecture of the abbey. Great insights.

If you have been to Sant’Antimo, share you tips with us in the comments below.