THE ITALIAN SWORD IN THE STONE

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THE ITALIAN SWORD IN THE STONE

Francesca Zambolin
August 16, 2021

The amazing legend of King Arthur and the sword in the stone is probably one of the most evocative myths of the past. The beauty of England, its enchanted coast and green meadows and pasture, have gifted an incredible story. However, few know that there is kind of a second sword in the stone and it is located in the beautiful hilly village of Chiusdino, in Tuscany.

To admire the Italian sword in the stone you have to go to Tuscany, precisely in the hermitage of Montesiepi, in the province of Siena. Nearby the beautiful Abbey of San Galgano, a sword is stuck in a rock and the hilt and the handle are visible exactly like the Excalibur of King Arthur. But where does this legend come from?

THE LEGEND OF ST. GALGANO

The story of this sword is totally different from that of King Arthur. While the British king had drawn his sword to prove his value and strength, the knight Galgano Guidotti stuck the weapon in the stone as a symbolic gesture for his conversion.

During his engagement in the war, he was the protagonist of a vision that pushed him towards the Montesiepi hill. There he decided to give up his dissolute life and convert.

In a symbolic gesture, he plunged his sword into the stone. From that moment on he lived as a hermit in the ruins of the building known as St. Galgano Abbey.

WHERE TO SEE THE SWORD IN THE STONE

To see the sword in the stone of San Galgano you must enter the Hermitage of Montesiepi, located on a small hill.

It was built after the death of St. Galgano, where he had lived for many years in prayer. The dome is made up of concentric circles and refers to a pagan symbolism and similar to ancient temples. The structure also leads back to the Templars. That is why some people think that it is one of the hypothetical hiding places of the Holy Grail.

WHEN VISIT THE ABBEY OF ST. GALGANO

The perfect time to visit this village and the tomb of Saint Galgano is during the summer solstice, on the 21st of June. On this day, when the sun rises, a ray of light penetrates the Hermitage of Montesiepi. Coming from the window behind the altar, it forms a luminous circle on the wall that slowly moves until it touches the sword and the tomb of San Galgano.

TYPICAL DISHES AND WINES

A few kilometers from the Abbey and the Hermitage of Montesiepi, there is the tiny village of Palazzetto, a typical example of a small medieval Tuscan village.

For a great lunch in a family atmosphere, the Albergo-Ristorante “Il Palazzetto” could be the right choice. Here you can taste all the typical dishes of Tuscan cuisine and some wines of the region.

FEW MORE THINGS TO DO IN CHIUSDINO

For those wishing to stay more than one day, the hotel rooms are located in the restaurant building, very simple and well-kept. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy beautiful walks in the splendid Val di Merse, or even take the famous cycling itinerary.

Article Tags: italian myths and legends, Italy, sword in the stone, tuscany

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THE ITALIAN SWORD IN THE STONE

THE LEGEND OF ST. GALGANO

WHERE TO SEE THE SWORD IN THE STONE

WHEN VISIT THE ABBEY OF ST. GALGANO

TYPICAL DISHES AND WINES

FEW MORE THINGS TO DO IN CHIUSDINO

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