The Lone Beauty of the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore

This venerable old abbey rises up from a startling, awe-inspiring landscape of mountains, pale clay, and dark green cypress trees. Although its location may seem remote, the abbey makes for a wonderful daytime excursion, combining the serenity of nature with the beauty of its art and architecture. Find out how it was founded by a member of one of Siena’s most prominent noble families, and learn about the eccentric artist who included a self-portrait of himself in one of its wonderful fresco cycles. Of course, he couldn’t forget to include his pet badgers and birds, too!