Through January 12, 2027
700 anni di arte per i monaci olivetani
The exhibition brings together artworks linked to the history of the Olivetan monks over seven centuries; its closing date has been extended to January 2027.
Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore
Olivetan Benedictine abbey near Asciano with cloister, church, refectory, monumental library and a museum in the former chapter house.
Have only individual sections read aloud
Opening hours
Current exhibitions
About the museum
The Abbey of Santa Maria di Monte Oliveto Maggiore, in the municipality of Asciano, is the mother house of the Olivetan Benedictine Congregation. The monastery is still inhabited by the monastic community, who structure the day with choral prayer and Gregorian chant, and the visit follows strict opening and closing times.
The route includes the cloister, the symbolic centre of monastic life, the church with its choir, the refectory, the nativity scene and the monumental library. The abbey museum is housed in the former chapter house, where the general chapters of the Congregation were held, and gathers the artistic testimonies of the archicenobium and of the churches of the Olivetan diocese.
On the back wall the visitor is greeted by a fresco of the Madonna and Child with saints by Matteo Ripanda (16th century). Among the oldest works are the wooden crucifix from Montecontieri, from the first half of the 14th century, the Maestà by the Master of Monteoliveto and a Saint Bernardino from the workshop of Francesco di Giorgio. There are also two 16th-century panels attributed to the workshop of Bartolomeo di David, easel paintings from bequests by abbots and monks, such as the Portrait of Homer by Pier Francesco Mola, and seventeen 18th-century watercolours with views of the abbey.
Highlights
- Museum in the former chapter house
- Wooden crucifix from Montecontieri (first half of the 14th century)
- Fresco by Matteo Ripanda with the Madonna and saints
- Portrait of Homer by Pier Francesco Mola
- Cloister, church with choir, refectory and monumental library
Permanent exhibition
- Il Museo dell’abbazia – Works of art from the abbey and the churches of the Olivetan diocese, displayed in the former chapter house.
- Founded
- 2000
- Operated by
- Congregazione benedettina olivetana
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
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Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
The abbey is at Monte Oliveto Maggiore, in the municipality of Asciano (SI).
Get directionsAmenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Photography | Photography is permitted only without flash, to protect the frescoes and paintings. |
| Good to know | Visitors are asked to keep silence and show respect, as the monks live their everyday lives here; animals are not allowed. Guided visits on request at infovisite@monteolivetomaggiore.it. |
