Getting married at San Galgano means stepping into a place with very ancient origins, dating back to the 13th century.
Its history is deeply connected to the saint it is named after: Saint Galgano.
Galgano Guidotti was a young knight born in the nearby village of Chiusdino. According to tradition, his life changed dramatically after a vision of Saint Michael the Archangel, who urged him to abandon his violent life as a knight.
Galgano fully converted, choosing instead a life as a hermit.
The most symbolic and defining act of his story — the one that made it famous worldwide — was his renunciation of knighthood. He drove his sword into a rock on the nearby hill of Montesiepi, transforming it into a cross.
Even today, the sword can still be seen inside the Hermitage of Montesiepi, just a short walk from the abbey.
After his death, Galgano became widely venerated by the local population. He was canonized in 1185, and on the very site where he lived and died, the hermitage was first built, followed later by the great abbey.
The Abbey of San Galgano, often called “the roofless abbey,” experienced periods of great prosperity and later decline.
By the mid-13th century, it had become one of the most important abbeys in Tuscany — not only a religious center, but also a major agricultural and economic hub.
Over time, however, economic crises and wars led to its gradual abandonment. The most defining moment of its decline was the collapse of the roof, which gave the abbey its iconic appearance.
Getting married at San Galgano means choosing a place rich in history and symbolism, closely tied to the legend of the sword in the stone.
It is a timeless setting, where sunlight constantly changes throughout the day and across seasons, creating unique plays of light and shadow that strongly define the atmosphere of your wedding images.
San Galgano is not for everyone — and that is exactly its value.
It is perfect for couples who:
As a very unique historical site, there are some important considerations:
This is where experienced professionals — especially local ones — and well-established collaborations make a real difference.
The abbey is located in open countryside, and the nearest town is Chiusdino, a few kilometers away.
This means accommodation and reception venues are somewhat limited, but there are some excellent options:
Since the abbey is located in the countryside, the best way to reach it is by car or private transport.
For weddings, organized transfers or shuttle services are highly recommended to ensure smooth logistics for all guests.
Contact me if you want to book a Wedding Photographer in Tuscany or in Italy
Let me photograph the Best Day of your Life. On Your Italian Wedding Day, I will let you to enjoy your happy time with your friends and family, so you can relax and don’t think about photography at all.