Chiusure: Discover the Calanchi and village history

Chiusure is a destination for travelers who want to explore a striking landscape and the history of a village. The Calanchi formations extend to the edge of the village; from the village’s panoramic terrace, you can look out over this landscape. Its history includes the medieval castle, which collapsed into the badlands in the 15th century and was rebuilt by the residents on an adjacent promontory. The origins of today’s village are also linked to the castle. Another cultural and historical highlight is the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, with its church, the Great Cloister, and a conventual Mass with Gregorian chant.

Calanchi and geology

The Geosito Naturalistico dei Calanchi di Chiusure e Monte Oliveto Maggiore consists of clay and sand dating from the Pliocene; these materials are about four million years old. From the village’s panoramic terrace, you can look out over the Calanchi formations, which extend to the edge of the village. This brings together the landscape as it appears and its geological context: the composition and approximate age complement the view of the formations.

Visitors should not leave the paths in the Calanchi: the walls are unstable, the material crumbles easily, and the slopes can drop almost vertically. Stay on the paths when viewing the formations.

Castle and village history

The medieval castle of Chiusure collapsed into the badlands in the 15th century. The residents rebuilt it on an adjacent promontory, creating today’s village of Chiusure. This change is central to the village’s history: the collapse affected the castle in the badlands, while the rebuilding took place on the promontory where today’s village was established.

Church and frescoes

The church of Monte Oliveto Maggiore was built at the beginning of the 15th century. The Great Cloister features 35 large frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Saint Benedict. Luca Signorelli painted the frescoes first, followed later by Antonio Bazzi, known as Il Sodoma. This clearly establishes both the shared subject matter and the chronological order of the two painters. For art enthusiasts, this offers a concrete way to explore the frescoes: you can understand them through their scenes from the life of Benedict and the sequence of their creators.

Worship and planning your visit

A conventual Mass with Gregorian chant is celebrated at the abbey. If you would like to plan your visit around it, check the liturgical schedule in advance on the official website; liturgical times may change.

For information about admission to the abbey and guided tours, contact infovisite@monteolivetomaggiore.it or call or WhatsApp 342 0538090. Check the contact details again on the official website before your visit, as they may change. Also check the opening hours there before planning your visit.

Discover more destinations: Arbia, Monte Sante Marie, Palazzina.

Return to the broader travel overview: Asciano.