Chiusdino, Italy: The Abbey of San Galgano & the Sword in the Stone
About the Abbey of San Galgano:
The abbey has no roof, and is open to the sky. The atmosphere is conducive for summer concerts and performances under the stars.
You can also see the “sword in the stone”, preserved for public viewing (covered by plexiglass). The sword has been tested to be dating from around the time this story took place. Further testing has not been done.
About San Galgano:
Well, this is the stuff of legends: An arrogant, licentious and selfish son of a feudal lord, Galgano (1148-1181) had a sudden change when, one day, he had a visit from Saint Michael the Archangel. Told that he should change his lifestyle, he replied that it would be easier to cut a stone with his sword than do so.
And, to prove his point, he plunged his sword into the rock……but the sword went smoothly in to the rock! He knelt to pray and vowed to become a hermit.
He was canonized in 1185, only four years after his death, by Pope Lucius III. A chapel was built around the sword in 1189: the “Rotonda della Spada.”
Traveling to Chiusdino:
Chiusdino is located about 20 miles southeast of Siena, which is the nearest train station. From there you can take a bus. Get train & bus schedules, see fares & buy tickets here.
GPS coordinates: 43° 9′ 19.404” N, 11° 5′ 18.4992” E
Tel./Fax (+39) 0577 756 292
e-mail: info@sangalgano.it
Click here for the official website of the Commune of San Galgano
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