The real attraction of the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore are surely the a

The real attraction of the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore are certainly the frescoes in the large cloister. The 35 scenes entirely cover the walls of the four sides of the cloister and depict episodes from the life of St. Benedict. The first artist to begin this great work was Luca Signorelli in 1497-1498 and then continued by Antonio Bazzi, known as Il Sodoma, after 1505. The vivid colors and many details of the paintings give a fascinating insight into the life and landscapes of the time. These frescoes are rightly considered a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance.