Have you ever heard the story of the Sword in the Stone in Tuscany? No, this isn’t King Arthur — it’s the real-life legend of San Galgano, the knight who plunged his sword into a rocky hilltop as a symbol of peace. That sword has remained there since the 12th century, and you can see it with your own eyes.
In June 2025, I finally visited this unique place, where history, legend, and the stunning Tuscan countryside blend together. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit to San Galgano, one of Tuscany’s most magical hidden gems.
Table of Contents
Who Was San Galgano?
San Galgano, born Galgano Guidotti around 1148, came from a noble military family in Chiusdino, a hilltop village between Siena and the Maremma coast. Like many young men of his time, he grew up as a knight, fascinated by battle and status.
But fate had other plans. After his father’s early death, Galgano experienced a series of visions of Saint Michael the Archangel, the protector of knights. These mystical encounters changed his life forever.
According to legend, during one of these visions, Galgano’s horse refused to move, stopping at the top of Montesiepi hill. There, Galgano understood his spiritual calling. In a powerful gesture of renunciation, he thrust his sword into the rock, declaring he would abandon violence.
The sword turned into a cross, and Galgano embraced life as a hermit.
He died young, around 1181, but his story quickly spread. Known for promoting peace during an era of constant warfare, Galgano became a symbol of spiritual transformation. Miracles were attributed to him, and shortly after his death, a chapel was built to protect the sword — which still stands embedded in stone to this day.
The Abbey of San Galgano: A Roofless Cathedral in the Heart of Tuscany
In the peaceful Val di Merse, between Siena and the Tyrrhenian Sea, you’ll find one of Tuscany’s most hauntingly beautiful landmarks — the Abbey of San Galgano.
This Gothic masterpiece was built by Cistercian monks between 1218 and 1288, strategically located along the Via Maremmana, the medieval road connecting Siena to the coast.
But centuries of abandonment, plague, and decay took their toll, and by the 18th century, the abbey’s roof had collapsed, leaving only its grand stone walls.
Today, visitors walk through the impressive ruins, where birdsong replaces church bells and sunlight filters through the empty windows.
You can explore the old scriptorium, chapter house, cloister ruins, and the roofless nave, which often hosts concerts and open-air events in summer.
Tickets for San Galgano Abbey
Entry to the abbey requires a ticket, which also includes access to the San Galgano Museum in Chiusdino. Prices in 2025 are:
| Price | Online Tickets | |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | Euro 6.00 | buy here |
| Reduced* | Euro 5.00 | buy here |
| Children under 6 | Free | buy here |
| Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children or more) | Euro 17.00 | buy here |
You can purchase your tickets online in advance to skip the line.
Opening Hours for San Galgano Abbey
- November to April: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- May to June: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- July to August: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- September to October: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Weekends and Easter Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Always check the official website before visiting, especially on holidays.
Parking at San Galgano Abbey
A free parking area is available near the abbey. From there, a short walk leads you to the site. Along the way, you’ll find a farmhouse with a bar and restaurant — a nice spot for a quick break.
Montesiepi Chapel and the Real Sword in the Stone
A short uphill walk from the abbey takes you to Montesiepi Chapel, built in 1185 to safeguard San Galgano’s sword in the stone.
Yes, the sword is real — embedded in solid rock, preserved inside the circular chapel.
The building’s striking interior features alternating red and white concentric rings, creating a unique dome pattern that enhances the spiritual atmosphere.
The story goes that Galgano, once a proud young knight, abandoned his worldly life after his mystical visions and symbolically drove his sword into the earth to reject war.
Historians often connect his story to the same spirit of peace embodied by Saint Francis of Assisi, born just a few years later.
Next to the chapel, you’ll find a small outdoor café called Salendo Wine Bar, perfect for a drink while soaking in the Tuscan countryside.
Chiusdino: Medieval Village with Etruscan Origins
Just a short drive from the abbey, Chiusdino is a charming medieval village with ancient Etruscan roots. Perched on a hill and surrounded by nature, the village preserves its narrow streets, stone houses, and panoramic views.
This is where San Galgano was born, and where visitors can explore his childhood home.
Other highlights include:
- San Michele Arcangelo Church, home to a relic believed to be the saint’s skull
- The Civic and Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art, located in Palazzo Taddei, showcasing religious artifacts, paintings, and relics linked to San Galgano
We stopped for lunch at Il Minestraio, a local restaurant offering outdoor seating and traditional Tuscan dishes.
On a hot summer day, we enjoyed light salads and grilled meat (tagliata), though hearty pastas and regional cured meats are also available.
After lunch, wandering Chiusdino’s cobbled lanes is a must — it’s like stepping back in time.
How to Visit San Galgano
The easiest way to reach San Galgano is by car. We visited as a day trip from Florence — it’s about 1.5 hours to the abbey and 20 minutes from there to Chiusdino.
Read also: Is It Worth Renting an Electric Car in Tuscany?
Other nearby destinations include:
- Volterra: 1 hour and 10 minutes away
- Siena: less than an hour
- Colle Val d’Elsa: perfect for exploring Tuscan hill towns
- Castiglione della Pescaia and Follonica: for a coastal escape
Planning a spiritual itinerary? Assisi, the city of Saint Francis and Saint Clare, is just 2 hours from San Galgano, across the border in Umbria.
No car? In 2025, GetYourGuide offers small-group tours from Florence that combine San Galgano Abbey with visits to San Gimignano and Volterra — a convenient option for those who prefer guided experiences.
Have you heard the story of Tuscany’s Sword in the Stone? Visiting San Galgano is more than a sightseeing stop — it’s a journey into legend, history, and the peaceful spirit of the Tuscan hills.
Travel Tip: Combine your visit to San Galgano with Siena or the Tuscan coast to make the most of your trip!
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[…] travelers exploring Tuscany, it’s worth pairing this story with a visit to another mystical site: San Galgano Abbey, home to the legendary sword in the stone and one of the region’s most atmospheric […]