Abbey of S. Giusto

This is the most ancient of the parish churches of Montalbano, probably built by the monks of  the order of Brunone da Cluny between the eleventh and the twelfth century. It is inmidst a rich vegetation of Holm oaks, Turkey oaks and pines at the foot of the Pietramarina summit.
It was a safe refuge for people who ventured along those impervious and risky trails, but also a landmark for many travellers. It's said that the to guide the travelers scattered in the winter season was a bell, called "La Sperduta" that resounded at sunset.
The church has a Latin cross floor-plan, composed of a single nave and a raised transept that ends in three apses. Under the transept there is a crypt covered with cross vaults supported by short columns. On the facade the white and green marble inserts above the portal of the mullioned window, allude to a Prato's and Pistoia's variety of the Pisan Romanesque architecture.
Though the church was deconsecrated and used as farm out-building in the Eighteenth century, in the interior its has maintained the original Romanesque structure. On the other hand there is no trace of the ancient monastery. Currently it can not be visited because it requires huge renovation works.

Information

• Address: Via Montalbano, Verghereto, Pinone, Carmignano

• Ticket: free entrance

• GPX coordinates: 43.7843128109,10.9860444708