The imposing Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore in Asciano is an oasis of spirituality located in the pleasant setting of the Crete Senesi.

According to legend, the birth of the Abbey originated from a dreamlike experience of the wealthy landowner Giovanni Tolomei. During a dream, in fact, a vision of a silver staircase ascending to heaven appeared to the Sienese nobleman. Once the complex was built, the Tolomei changed his name to Bernardo and retired to the abbey to lead a more spiritual life with fellow nobles Ambrogio Piccolomini and Patrizio Patrizi. In particular,...