San Galgano Abbey in Chiusdino, Italy

San Galgano is a former Cistercian Catholic monastery located in Chiusdino, Siena Province, Tuscany. Currently, it stands as a ruin and no longer functions as a monastery. Although there have been discussions about restoring the abbey, it was ultimately decided to preserve it as a historical ruin, taking its historical significance into account. The construction of the abbey began in 1218 as a dedication to Saint Galgano, who passed away in 1181, and was completed 70 years later in 1288. As the oldest Gothic architecture in Tuscany, it is both captivating and dignified, attracting numerous visitors from both within Italy and abroad who come to admire its stunning ruins. During its prime, the monastery was known for its opulence and wealth. However, in the early 14th century, it faced famine and plague, was repeatedly looted by mercenary groups, and became entangled in power struggles between the Republic of Siena and the Papal States. By the 16th century, only one monk remained. On January 6, 1786, the 36-meter-high bell tower was struck by lightning and collapsed, causing most of the roof to cave in. The abbey gained fame as a filming location for Tarkovsky's movie "Nostalgia." For over 200 years, only the walls of this abbey have remained, exuding a beauty and mystique that transcends words.