Abbeys in Tuscany?
 

I have in my notes and on my Google Map ~ Abbazia di San Galagano, Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore, and Abbazia di Sant'Antimo.

Enough? (we only have 4 full days in Tuscany) Am I missing any that you would recommend?

I'd say enough. They're the top ones and very different one from the other.

Thanks Zerlina. That's kind of what I have decided after checking some threads and sites today. Really interested in the chanting, and I think we can combine Abbazia di Sant'Antimo with Castello Banfi Winery.

I'm pretty excited about all 3 of them, they sound lovely.

We really enjoyed Sant'Antimo. When we walked in the doors we could hear the chanting coming through the PA system. There was no one around except us. The chanting was beautiful to listen to as we walked around inside. The light was coming in through the front windows and cast a beautiful stream of sunlight down on the altar. It was a most magical time in our trip.

Interesting how the mind conjures up an image that isn't true. I imagined that we would arrive at Sant'Antimo next year, the monks would file in, chant and then leave. It sounds beautiful to walk around while listening - is that what we can expect as a rule? And, is the chanting only once a day?

I think there is both chanting on the PA system and live chanting, am I correct?

No, not enough. You're missing one of the very best: Torri (near S. Galgano, and infinitely more rewarding IMHO). Only open on Monday and Friday mornings, hence not too well-known, a Romanesque jewel (just the cloister has been preserved, with fantastic sculpture in a surprisingly small, architecturally beautiful setting).

There are six or seven chants a day at Sant' Antimo. It is a lovely place. We were there last week and, unfortunately, due to over-optimism about how much time the drive would take, missed the chants. They take place at 7 and 9 am and at 12:45, 2:45, 7 and 8:30 pm and last about 20 minutes.

Franco, are you talking about the Abbey of Santa Mustiola in Torri?

Think I found it

http://www.val-di-merse.com/torri.htm

Where are you staying? You may not have time for all 3 in your short time.

I too was surprised that we heard the chanting over the PA system. I don't know if the monks were chanting somewhere else and then it was piped into the monastery but there was definitely chanting but not a monk to be seen and no one to ask either. Maybe someone here knows. Regardless, it was magical roaming around with the beautiful sounds wafting through the building and the sunlight streaming in.

Yes, wrenwood, that's the one. (There's only one abbey in Torri. Torri is just about as large as your living room.)

michtle_d,
It was a CD playing, it is also for sale.

We're staying at Terre di Nano ~ We will have 4 full days, not counting arrival day and departure day. Other than the Abbeys and the Winery we are just driving around to a few of the towns. (Montipulciano and Pienza the top 2) Love to drive and it seems the scenery and roads can't be beat.

Can't believe we will be in Italy in a few days! :)

Link to Franco's Abbey

http://www.val-di-merse.com/torri.htm

Thank you Henry. It was beautiful. I would have believed the monks were chanting and it was piped in, what do I know. Mystery solved. :)