Montalcino - Abbadia Ardenga

The Abbadia Ardenga (aka Badia Ardenga) was founded in the 11th century. Soon after the erection of the abbey church, dedicated to Saint Andrew will have started. In 1464, after more than 3 centuries of prospering development, the abbey was suppressed, for unknown reasons, by Pope Pius II.

The place seemed to be "private", so I knocked at some doors. Nobody was "at home". But then I found the door of the church open!!

I had learned from a sign, that the church once had a nave, two aisles and three apses, and that the ancient crypt once run along the entire length of the church.

It is now smaller, but still impressive. There are traces of floral decorations under the vaults.