A magical place near Siena
During my last visit to Val d’Orcia and the Crete Senesi, magically set in the extraordinary and scenic countryside to the south of Siena, I’ve visited the wonderful Monastery of Sant’Anna in Camprena, located only few kilometers away north of Pienza.
The monastery was chosen for filming some of the most famous scenes of “The English Patient” by Anthony Minghella, an authentic masterpiece, winner of 9 Oscars! I’ve seen it a lot of times, and it always makes me cry.
A long avenue of cypress trees leads to the monastery, all surrounded by an amazing natural landscape, standing amidst green fields, round hills, and characterized by a lovely garden! The ancient cemetery is really peculiar and suggestive, do visit it!
The monastery was founded in 1324 by Bernardo Tolomei, as a hermitage place for the Benedectine monks of the Olivetan order.
In the beautiful refectory you can admire the splendid fresco cycle of the great artist Antonio Bazzi, known as the Sodoma, then a young painter coming from Vercelli.
The frescoes date back to the years 1503-1504 and represent a first stage of the great craft of the painter, that would be definitely established in the near Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, a few years later.
That’s a unique place with a unique atmosphere, so I suggest you stay there for at least one night. The Monastery is today also a nice agriturismo of great quality, the rooms are simple but very comfortable; some used to be the ancient cells of the monks. The view from each room is incomparable 🙂
At the restaurant of the farmhouse you can also enjoy delicious traditional Tuscan dishes, simple but incredibly tasty.
The property also hosts different courses of art each year, from photography and music to painting and drawing; while during the summer concerts of classicla music are performed in the church.
That’s indeed a very special place and full of great charm; perfect to enjoy a very relaxing vacation in the Tuscan countryside near Siena!
Hi Elena, I loved your article, and am so looking forward to go to the Monastery of Sant’Anna !!
My brother and his family are going to visit Siena in August, and he was wondering if there is a possibility that they can have a symbolic religiuos ceremony celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary.
When I saw this monastery and read your post I thought it was THE place.
Do you think it’d be possible ? can you give me contact information?
So grateful for your help !!!!
grazie di cuore !!
Ines from Lima, Peru 🙂
Dear Ines,
I’m happy you like my article! The Monastery of Sant’Anna in Camprena is actually one of the most beautiful and suggestive places I’ve ever seen!
Inside the monastery there’s also an agriturismo that organizes weddings! so just contact them about the ceremony. Here is the website of Sant’Anna in Camprena farmhouse
Enjoy your trip to Tuscany and the ceremony! For any other help or suggestion please contact me again:-) Ciao from a sunny Tuscany!
I was at Tuscany 2 months ago and I can say I will like to go back and stay more. This monastery is beautifull and I will be happy to stay there but I can not found any contact for reservatıon. can you help me? Thanks lot
Hi Nimet,
The Monastery of Sant’Anna in Camprena is really beautiful and unique in itself. Inside the complex of the monastery is a nice agriturismo where you can stay. This is the website.
In case you’d like to tell something about your experience with Tuscany, you’re welcome to do it and see your story published here on my blog 🙂
Have a nice day,
elena