• 20-07-2023
• Sorrounding
• 666 Views

The Abbey of San Rabano

The Abbey of San Rabano, located in the region of Parco dell'Uccellina in the Tuscan Maremma, has a millennial history dating back to the 11th century. Initially called the Church of S. Maria Alborense, the name "San Rabano" became more well-known over time, possibly due to the transfer of the saint's relics to a small temple within the complex. Strategically positioned along the "della Regina" road, the abbey held a significant role.
Despite much of the abbey being destroyed by the Senese in 1438, certain buildings such as the church, the bell tower, and a 14th-century observation tower have survived. Remnants of monastery walls suggest the presence of a fortified rectangular enclosure and rooms adjacent to the church. The tower of San Rabano, constructed in 1321 and later raised in the 16th century, served as a lookout and defense structure. Traces of four floors, including a potential prison level, are still visible within.
Today, the Abbey of San Rabano stands as a tangible testament to the rich history of the Maremma. The site attracts scholars and visitors interested in exploring the architectural remains and immersing themselves in the captivating medieval world of the abbey.