Abbey of San Galgano

The 13-century Monastery of San Galgano is considered one of the most spectacular examples of Italian Gothic architecture. It was located near the town of Chiusdino in the province of Siena. Construction began in 1218, and was completed six decades later. The monastery was initially allied with the Republic of Siena and grew in wealth between 1287-1355. However, over the years, various factors — famine in 1329, the bubonic plague pandemic in 1348, caused economic decline. This, along with political instability, caused the church to fall into disrepair and ruins. In 1786, the bell tower fell, along with the roof; the remains were looted for building materials. Some restorations took place in the 19th and 20th centuries but the church remains a magnificent ruin.