They are Petriolo natural hot springs. But one of the largest spa centre in Europe is also going to open in a couple of month on the higway level, just passed the super high highway bridge.

San Galgano is one of my favorite spots in Tuscany and very close to the house I rent....love it.

Thanks to all of you for the information and the story of San Galgano. This is what makes an area or a site come alive for me and one of the reasons I love to travel.

Once again I am digging out this thread because I wanted to share with you a fabulous photo that our guests who were here last week just sent us!
Isn't it wonderful?

hello gloria,
i, too, love this place and will be wandering about the grounds in just 3 weeks with my group of lady travelers. i can't wait. i love to see the expressions on the faces of the people who i take to san galgano... especially after they have seen the sword in the stone. it is definitely magical.

You should really contact Salendo Wine Bar which is on the paved road to the chapel up on the hill and have them arrance a lovely meal in their garden with a selection of cheese and cold meats. They are supreme.

We went there on Easter Mondey and it was very crowded, but in general, they have this garden with high trees and it is so paceful.

They serve a selection of antipasti essentially, which they pair with the right wine to go with it.

Amazing. Plus now there is an easy walk which takes from San Galgano to the village of Monticiano. It's 2km and it is very very beautiful.

We were first taken to San Galgano by the daughter of a winery owner friend we were visiting. She took us there on afternoon and it was just beautiful. She took us tot he alter in the ruined abbey and pointed it out to us. Then she tried to tell us her San Galgano story....

"I wcame here with my boyf.... I mean a guy. Just a guy I knew from school. We smoked some.... I mean some cigaretttes. It was so beautiful and the moon was shining in on us and we... well we just stayed ther eand looked at the moon.... nothing happened, I mean...."

It was hilarious. I just wanted to tell her that her secret was safe from daddy.... we weren't going to tell him that is daughter came to San Galgano, got high with her boyfriend and lost her virginity on the alter in the moon light!

Oh my goodness! I have been offline for days and am reading back a few pages to catch up. And what do I find? My San Galgano thread with all the great photos Slow Travelers have posted.

OK, so yesterday I finally, after several months, got around to watching my video I shot of the last trip. And one of my favorite bits - it brought back all the memories, was the trip to San Galgano.

What an experience! It's thanks to ST posters that I found out about it, and then went there.

It's now set in stone, we will be driving there on Sunday 16th September and staying in either Monticiano or Chiusdino for the night. Sounds like Da Vestro the wine bar and a spa will complete the experience.

Hi Gavin,

Missed you.


Ginger

If you like walking, walk from the the village to the abbey on the new trail! It's 2 km and it is very easy. Beautiful walk, with benches to stop. The trail starts by the new village swimmingpool.

Gavin, you have chosen a perfect spot for relaxing in the cool garden...and the food is great. Enjoy Da Vestro, but dont tell too many people about it, its not fancy but its genuine.

We were there in May and were able to visit the abbey at night. With the nightingales singing it was magic.

I have just posted here the program of the Opera Festival 2007. Some operas will be staged in San Galgano Abbey. I absolutely want to go an see Bollani. He's an amazing pianist.

quote:

Originally posted by Gloria - Casina di Rosa:
I have just posted here the program of the Opera Festival 2007. Some operas will be staged in San Galgano Abbey. I absolutely want to go an see Bollani. He's an amazing pianist.

Ohhhh although we are not opera fans, seeing something in San Galgano would be so cool. And--how perfect, on the date of the Bollani we will be in Maremma, outside of Manciano. Too far?? I will have to check via Michelin.

{edited to add} Via Michelin says 91 miles, two hours. Too far to come back so late at night

Actually, we had been thinking of going to San Galgano from Montalcino (where we will be a couple of days before.) But no concerts at that time.

Janet, we are obviously on the same program! Go and check the Opera Festival link. I asked exactly the same question about distance - Wendy (wendyash) seems to feel it will be well worth the late drive home!

We are definitely going to see Bollani. He's an amazing pianist.

Carmina Burana though really intrigue me too!

I have just posted the program of the opera at San Galgano Abbey. Unfortunately I have also noticed that I am not going to be in Italy for the Carmina Burana!

We drove down to Massa, which I loved, and then stopped at San Galgano on the way home. It was a great day.

A few miles west of San Galgano - it may well have been on the road from Massa Marittima to San G - we drove through a valley where the rocks were deeply eroded ... a bit like "badlands" in South Dakota ... and the traffic was stopping to watch bee-eaters, which are very vidily coloured birds that live in burrows in the soft rock. Another memorable experience.

Hugh