Historical Background

Badia di Sasso
Historical Background

The name Sasso (stone) derives from the antique sandstone site where an ancient mid-VIII century DC Tuscan abbey stood, hence the name Badia di Sasso (Stone Abbey). A religious order of Cistercian, Ellerine, and Camaldolese monks ran the abbey, and it was once a stop-off for pilgrims on their way to Rome.

In the XIII century DC, the abbey was used as a guesthouse for farmers, cattle growers, and artisans. There was also an elementary school, which continued to be used until 1960.

It then became abandoned, but in 1990, it was restored under the Superintendency of the Fine Art Council.