Abbadia San Salvatore is a historic town situated at the foot of the extinct volcano Monte Amiata. Its name comes from a medieval monastery from which a church and a beautiful Romanesque crypt have survived to this day.
The beginnings of the city are related to the monastery of San Salvatore, founded in the 8th century, which was the owner of this area for centuries. The church of San Salvatore with an unfinished facade has survived from it. Inside, under the presbytery, there is a Romanesque crypt supported by 32 columns. Each of them has a different, carved capital, and the whole is considered a masterpiece of Romanesque art.
For centuries, there were cinnabar mines on the slopes of Monte Amiata. It was used as a dye, and its extraction ensured the town's prosperity. In the mid-twentieth century, the last mine was closed, and some of the old pavements were made available to tourists. Thanks to this, you can visit the underground Mining Museum here.
Another attraction of Abbadia San Salvatore is its surroundings. The slopes of the extinct volcano Monte Amiata are cut by a network of hiking and cycling routes. There is a viewpoint at the top and a ski station is open in winter.
