This morning at O’dark hundred the class met at the bus station to begin our day of excursions around the countryside of Italy.
Monte Oliveto Maggiore: Monte Oliveto Maggiore hosts the Benedictine Abbey (which was founded for hermits in 1313) and still houses many secluded monks today. We viewed several frescoes, and visited the library (which had books dating from the 14th century). The abbey was beautiful – but if I am being honest, a bit creepy. For those of you who have seen Shutter Island – it has quite a similar vibe; dark, secluded, and no offense to the monks but they all stare quite eerily at you. A few times I was tempted to ask them what they were staring at - hello? Rude.
The Abbey at Monte Oliveto Maggiore
Pienza: I absolutely fell in love with Pienza! It is a quaint renaissance town on a hillside. You can walk the length of the whole town in about ten minutes time, but it is full of shops and restaurants and cafes. There are baskets of flowers everywhere, and the entire town boasts a view of the rolling hills and greenery of Italy. After touring the town we had a long lunch (lasting almost 3 hours) and it was four courses. It was heaven!
Pienza
La Foce: This estate (originally owned by Antonio and Iris Origo) was converted from being strictly acres of clay hills into a self-sustaining farmland and garden. It is humongous, and gardens go for miles – literally!
La Foce Estate
View from La Foce
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