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Molino di S.Antimo
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Tucked in a tiny hollow of the hills around Montalcino, the Molino di S. Antimo is so close
to the Abbey to seem like a sister structure. In fact, the two share an important history as the most
important historical landmarks of the area. |
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One knows one has reached destination when the spectacular
Abbazia di S.Antimo comes into view, for the mill lies just a few hundred meters away hidden among the
trees.
Descending from the parking area, the house and old stone bridge come into view.
Flowering jasmine, roses, and lavender add the finishing touches to this timeless setting that
dates back to the 13th century. Outside, two porches and a pool already welcome the visitor to sit down,
relax and enjoy the tranquillity.
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Closer to the Molino, with the church bells sounding in the distance, the sounds of a brook and the
rustling of oak trees announce the magical atmosphere of the centuries old stone water-mill.
A three-story stone structure of about
300 sq.m., the mill was completely refurbished in 1998. Fully functioning until 1945, it had
already undergone a previous restructuring in 1606 by the Arrighi Family and is probably
originally from the same era as the Abbey (XII century). Leaning up against outside walls
of the property, one can see various millstones, and furry cattails fill the ancient water
conduit in front of the house, which passes under the building.
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Just a hundred meters from the main porch, one cat sit on a stone ledge of the small
bridge over the brook, listen to its gurgling, and look back at the house,
crowded only by encroaching ivy and blackberry vines and disturbed only by the movement
of butterflies and frogs.
A hop-and-a-skip upstream from the mill lies a miniature waterfall; striped porcupine
quills dot the marked pathway leading to it.
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Not far from here is the parking area,
where the ancient Abbey of St. Antimo comes once again into view, cutting a noble
figure against the limpid blue sky with rows of vineyards at her feet and olive groves
all around her.
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