The Sword in the Stone of San Galgano
1180 · Montesiepi Chapel (San Galgano), Chiusdino, Tuscany, Italy
Description
Located inside the circular Montesiepi Chapel near the ruined San Galgano Abbey in Tuscany, Italy, this medieval sword is embedded deep into solid rock. According to historical tradition and ecclesiastical accounts, Saint Galgano Guidotti renounced his secular, violent life as a knight in 1180 and thrust his sword into the stone to form a cross, vowing never to bear arms again. It is widely studied as a primary historical inspiration for the Arthurian legend of the sword in the stone.
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Contributors:
Tom Naughton