The small medieval hamlet of Castelnuovo dell’Abate near the Abbey of Sant’Antimo
Castelnuovo dell’Abate is a small medieval village in Val d’Orcia located within the municipal borders of Montalcino very close to the Abbey of Sant’Antimo. The village lies in a beautiful hilly area where is produced the famous wine Brunello di Montalcino.
This hamlet developed in the middle ages as a fortress of the Abbey of Sant’Antimo. The current name dates back to when the Abbot of Sant’Antimo decided to build here a residence which subsequently, after the Suppression of the Abbey in 1462, became property of the Bishop of Montalcino. Since then this building was nicknamed “Palazzo del Vescovo” (the Bishop’s Palace).
What to do in Castelnuovo dell’Abate
Of medieval origin but restored in later times, the Pieve dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo (parish church of Saints Philip and James) keeps intact its Romanesque style. Inside the Church are preserved some frescoes of Ventura Salimbeni (16th century) representing the Martirio di santa Caterina d’Alessandria (the Martyrdom of Saint Catherine of Alexandria) and the Beato Pietro Petroni.
Besides the already mentioned Bishop’s Palace, is well worth a visit the palazzo Bellanti. It is a beautiful late Renaissance building with brick façade embellished with stone architectural elements. The palace is located in via Borgo di Mezzo, the main street of the village.
What to see around Castelnuovo dell’Abate
Around Castelnuovo there are to discover all the wonders of Val d’Orcia. Due to its proximity (one kilometre), a visit to the extraordinary Abbey of Sant’Antimo is nothing short of obvious; as regards the other villages of the Valley, the closest are: Montalcino (9 kilometres), San Quirico d’Orcia (12 kilometres), Bagno Vignoni (13 kilometres) and Castiglione d’Orcia (14 kilometres).
How to get to Castelnuovo dell’Abate
By car: From both north and south, take the A1 to the Chiusi / Chianciano exit and then continue on the SP146 towards Chianciano Terme, then follow the signs for Campiglia d’Orcia, Castiglione d’Orcia and finally Sant ‘Antimo and Castiglione dell’Abate.
If you come from Florence you can take the Firenze-Siena highway to Siena, from there continue on the Regional Road 2 Cassia to Buonconvento, shortly after turn onto SP14 Strada Provinciale del Brunello and follow the signs for Montalcino. Once you reach the village, continue on SP55 towards Sant’Antimo and Castelnuovo dell’Abate.
By bus: from Montalcino you can take the Siena Mobilità line 0P1.
