Gregorian chants

It's near Montalcino (actually the small town closest is Castelnuovo dell' Abate), the Abbey of Sant'Antimo. At least that's one. I think Monte Oliveto may also have chanting.

Thanks, that is what I was looking for!

Abb. M. Oliveto Maggio has a daily chant at about 6:30 pm. It's a bit of a drive through small towns on country roads. We arrived early enough to walk through the abbey and visit their wine cellar. The monks grow, produce and sell their wine. They also have a gift shop. Enjoy.

Susan, in Florence at the top of a long hill (taxi is available) at Piazza Michelangelo is a place called chiesa de San Miniato Al Monte where you will hear great chants.

Susan, My suggestion would be Abbazia di Sant'Animo, which as mentioned previously, is close to Montalcino. On my last visit there (during a photography workshop), recorded Gregorian Chants were playing in the Abbey, and it was such a wonderfully tranquil experience to just sit and listen to them. They do have live performances also (see website below for times). Have a look at This Website for further details. It seemed to be a very popular location, as there was a steady stream of tourists, some by the Bus load! Happy travels!

Linda, We will be staying near Piazza Michelangelo during our stay in Firenze. Will try to hear those Gregorian chants -- sounds really awesome! Ruth

The last time we were in Florence we went to San Mineato and there was wonderful chant before the 5:30 Mass in the lower chapel. Also Badia Fiorentino had wonderful latin chant at the evening Mass.

The last time we were in Florence we went to San Mineato and there was wonderful chant before the 5:30 Mass in the lower chapel. Also Badia Fiorentino had wonderful latin chant at the evening Mass.

I'm planning to go hear the chants at Piazalle Michelangelo, but for those of you that have seen/heard it, is it something that you need to go sit through the entire mass to hear? What do you think the etiquette is for something like that? How long is the mass, if we do need to stay for the entire thing? We'll have kids with us, so I'm just wondering if it's something that it would be ok to duck in for 20 minutes or so, and then duck out on? or what we need to plan for?
Thanks so much for your help and advice!

Cindy During my visit to the church, there were some restless children. It is pretty dark in the church and if you choose seats that are towards the back of the church, you can slip out pretty discreetly. It is a very moving experience - but might be a little long for children who are not used to sitting in church. The mass is probably about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. The time it takes to enjoy this experience should not deter you from doing so, even with squirming kids. If you have another adult with you, have them take the children outside to let off some steam - maybe near the statue of David. Great views from there too. I have some awesome photos of the Florence skyline with the church burial ground in the foreground. Just a lovely area and very spiritual. You'll have a good time. Ciao!

Cindy, The chanting and Mass you're referencing are actually at San Mineato which is up the hill from Plz Michelangelo. You can take either the #12 or #13 bus check out the stunning views from the Plaza then it's about a ten minute walk up to San Mineato. There are regular pews, then at the back sort of stone bleachers. If you aren't staying for Mass it would be more appropriate to sit there and slip out. When we were there last year a man and woman sat there during Mass looking through their guide books, then made a cell phone call to get a dinner reservation. There is also a latin Mass with chants at Badia Firoentina that was very lovely. As a Catholic I found both experiences moving and prayerful (though I might have to do some time in purgatory for the things I was thinking about the bozo making his dinner reservations during Mass LOL), but the nonCatholics with us were also very taken with the experience.

I realize this is an old post, but I was just wondering if anyone knew about how long the Gregorian chant lasts at the beginning of the Mass. (I'm trying to plan a very tight schedule for Florence!) Thanks.