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