Abbadia Isola
Abbadia Isola is a small village located on the slopes of Mount Maggio. Abbadia Isola already constituted a Via Francicena resting place at the end of the 10th century as evidenced by Sigeric, archbishop of Canterbury, who stopped here on his way back from Rome.
Sigerico recorded in his diary the name: “Borgonuovo”; It was subsequently named Abbadia Isola in 1001 following the foundation of the abbey by countess Ava dei Lambardi.
The place where the monastery stands - which, as its name suggests, was once surrounded by water - was chosen mainly for its strategic position controlling the Via Francigena. Over the following centuries, one of the main functions of the abbey continued to be that of a hospital or a place of respite and hospitality for travellers on their way to Rome. After its foundation, the monastery experienced considerable economic and political success that continued through to the mid thirteenth century. A slow decline subsequently began and so in 1446 the Isola Abbey was linked up with the monastery of S. Eugenio near Siena.
Every year in May the people of Abbadia Isola organize a benefit event called: “C’ero anch’io ad Abbadia Isola”
Opening hours Always open to visitors
Contatti Tourist Office Tel:+39 0577 304834 ; email:
Address Loc. Abbadia Isola (Monteriggioni-SI)
A Romanesque church with three naves and three apses dominates the monumental complex of Abbadia Isola. A small hamlet and the remains of a medieval fortification closely surround the church.
Opening hours Open every day from March 11th to the first Sunday of November from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 3 pm to 6 pm (please note: it is not possible to visit the church during Holy Mass on Saturdays at 5 pm)
Contacts Tel: +39 335 6651581
Address Piazza Gino Strada n°5, 53035 Abbadia Isola SI
The church, dedicated to San Salvatore and San Cirino, has a travertine façade that clearly reveals its Romanesque origins. The church, dating from the second half of the XII century, stands on a more ancient complex.
Opening hours: see below
Contacts Tel: +39 0577 179 4759; email:
Address Piazza Gino Strada n°2-3, 53035 Abbadia Isola SI
The MaM-Monteriggioni Archaeological Museum is located in the monumental complex of Abbadia Isola, a former monastery founded in 1001 along the Via Francigena. The complex, located a few kilometers from Monteriggioni, is undergoing progressive restoration and is the new cultural hub of the area.
