Not far from the region that produces the delicious Brunello di Montalcino wines sits the Abbey at Sant’ Antimo. It is very old (5th century?), simple, and incredibly beautiful. I’ve visited Sant’ Antimo twice, both times with Caspin Journeys. It’s hard to describe but there is a sense of peace from being within the walls of the Abbey.
The first time I glimpsed the simple structure was on a Sunday. We slipped into the back of the church as the priests celebrated mass, adorned in brilliant red robes. More than a decade later, we walked into the quiet beauty where beams of light from the high windows illuminated the simple, unadorned beauty of the church’s interior as five monks chanted their midday prayer. Absolutely incredible.
On both occasions, the sense of peace energized this weary pilgrim as we set off on foot – up, down, up, down – along winding paths and hilly terrain with the prize of a picnic lunch waiting as we came around the bend. Following our midday respite, Caroline led us through the woods to Bagno Vignoni. Along the way,
we passed farmers hanging grapes in an old chapel where the grapes would dry until they became vin santo.
Our arrival in Bagno Vignoni provided an opportunity for gelato before changing into “swimming costumes” to soak in the natural hot springs that pour into the pool. So relaxing after a day of walking. A swim and a hot shower later, our group enjoyed an elegant feast at the Hotel Posta Marcucci. Then a van ride through the winding hills back to the Molina, where we drifted off to dream of brilliant Italian adventures to come.
Courtesy of Phyllis Huckabee (Oggi Dog Productions)