Ancient Abbey Complex to Restore

ITALY, TUSCANY, FLORENCE

Ancient Abbey Complex to be Restored

This outstanding ancient abbey is steeped in history and is nestled on the hills that dominate the entire Mugello valley along the Via degli Dei, a renowned route that connects Bologna and Florence.

According to ancient records, the abbey dates back to the year 1,084 and was built by Count Ugo di Toscana. Legend has it that whilst lost in the woods while out hunting, he sought refuge in a cave and tormented by a disturbing vision of devils torturing the damned, prayed to the Madonna and promised to change his life and construct the abbey.

The property was entrusted to the Cluniac Benedictine communities first and then to the Cistercians. It then belonged to the esteemed Medici family for many centuries and generations.

At the beginning of the eighteenth century, the monastery was completely restored by Grand Duke Cosimo III. It was subsequently home to many groups on monks.

The abbey has a main building of about 3,200 sqm where there is an ancient church and the monks’ quarters, as well as produce processing rooms and monastic daily life. Adjacent to the main building there are various outbuildings which total approximately 2,500 sqm.

There is also an ancient and atmospheric underground passage that connects the abbey to one of the adjacent annexes.

The remains of ancient cloisters with beautiful columns and fifteenth-century capitals as well as the ancient barrels and tools used by the monks for the production and storage of wine and oil are still present.

Surrounding the complex is 54 hectares of woodland and arable land.

With thorough and careful restoration work, the entire complex would be a truly spectacular and one of a kind private residence and/or an impressive and luxurious accommodation facility.