The Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore

 Che bel posto! Today we explored the beautiful countryside of the Crete Senesi, southeast of Siena.  Like entering another world, another century, we drove deep into the thick woods of cypresses and oak to an impressively large compound that makes up the Abbey.  The abbey was founded in 1313 by a Benedictine Order and much of the art is dedicated to telling the story of St. Benedict.  The first abbot, Bernardo Tolomei, built a religious community that has thrived in many ways since the beginning:

The cloister walk features the story of St Benedict, thanks to the art of Luca Signorelli and "Il Sodoma," the unfortunate nickname of Giovanni Bazzi (given for the reasons you think).  One walks the cloister walk and contemplates all of St Benedict's miracles and life events:

Then one contemplates the miracles, the glory, the profumo of the woods, the chirping of the birds:

Back to Montepulciano for lunch.  Large ravioli stuffed with pecorino and ricotta, beetroot cream, a sprinkling of fava beans, sautéed veggies, vino Rosso:

On the way home, I stopped at a pasticceria and got a selection of wee sweets.  They wrap everything like the most darling present:

How could I resist?