Ancient Monastery For Sale On Siena's Hills

The oldest monastery in Tuscany, located just outside the centre of the beautiful town of Siena, is currently for sale. This Benedictine abbey has a long history that has its roots in the year 730, when the Lombard Warnifredo, a royal steward stationed in Siena, founded it and endowed it with surrounding lands and possessions. Located on Siena's hills, this unique property offers a panoramic view of the beautiful city of Siena. Over the centuries, this extraordinary structure with an impressive internal surface area of 6,200 sqm, with 9,610 sqm of external spaces has experienced a series of extraordinary historical events and various changes of intended use over the years.

Originally donated to the Cassinesi Benedictines by Warnifredo in 731, the monastery was subsequently united with the monks of Santo Spirito of Siena and those of San Salvatore all'Isola on 29 October 1446, by decree of Pope Eugene IV. Throughout its history, the monastery has suffered periods of conflict and destruction, such as when the troops of Charles of Anjou camped in the area in 1270 during the sack of Siena, or when in 1553 Marshal Pietro Strozzi erected fortifications here.

Until 1786, the monastery functioned as the seat of the Benedictine monks, after which it was used as a summer home and partly rented. After the Napoleonic suppression, in 1812 the monastery passed to the Griccioli counts, who owned it until 1932. During their ownership, the complex was transformed and adapted to become their home. Some buildings were demolished to create a garden. Subsequently, in 1932, the monastery became a retirement home managed by the Vincentian Sisters, and today a Foundation manages the premises for social and cultural purposes thanks to their concession.

The complex is structured around two cloisters. The main cloister, with a central garden and a well, is in Renaissance style, characterized by round arches with sandstone columns topped by elegant capitals. The second cloister has hexagonal brick pillars. The entire complex is made of mixed tuff and brick masonry. Inside, you can admire a small chapel frescoed in the vault with medallions and grotesques, the work of a Sienese artist of the late 16th century. Most of the rooms are vaulted and frescoed.

The church, an integral part of the Benedictine monastery of Sant'Eugenio founded in 731, has shared the monastery's history and has undergone some changes over the years. The Griccioli family contributed to the complete renovation of the monastery and church, including the demolition of the bell tower and the reconstruction of the brick façade in neo-Renaissance style. On the outside, its distinctive feature is the cylindrical lantern that surrounds the dome. Inside, the church is characterized by three cross-vaulted naves, with the dome rising at the intersection with the transept, where there are two stucco altars. The church boasts rich furnishings, which include the wooden choir and the baptismal font.

This extraordinary and rare building is currently for sale in one of the most beloved and historically rich Italian cities, Siena. This convent for sale is a unique opportunity to own a piece of history in an incredible location.