Located in the beautiful Tuscan countryside, not too far from Siena, the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore is a still-active Benedictine monastery. It was founded in 1313 by Bernardo Tolomei and is the motherhouse of the Olivetan order, hence the appellation “Maggiore.” The beautiful buildings and surrounding property are a true monument to monastic life. The main cloister is also home to a magnificent and well-preserved fresco cycle by Luca Signorelli and Sodoma illustrating the life of St. Benedict. Buona visita!