ABBADIA S

ABBADIA S. SALVATORE - A Benedictine abbey on the slopes of Monte Amiata, founded in 743; it passed to the Cistercians in 1230, who held it until 1792. Recent restorations have restored the church to its ancient appearance; the church was built in 1036 and enlarged in the 12th century, but its interior had been completely transformed in the 17th century. At the same time, the crypt, a remnant of the 8th-century building, was also restored. The crypt contains 28 columns—until a few years ago covered with frescoes—remarkable for the singular forms of their capitals, among which basket motifs of alternating lotus and acanthus leaves and figures of monsters prevail. Also noteworthy are the 17th-century frescoes by NASINI in the church and cloister, as well as a wooden crucifix from the 13th century and a reliquary bust of Pope St. MARK from the 14th century.