"Abbazia di San Galgano (Siena)"

gelatin silver print

stamp verso

Photograph from a collection of tourism photographs from the first half of the 20^th century, issued by Italian tourism boards. High-quality works by renowned studios, such as the Alinari brothers, were frequently used to promote Italy as a travel destination. With the West German Economic Miracle (Wirtschaftswunder) of the 1950s, these idealized images of longing became a reality: rising prosperity and increased leisure time transformed vacations into a status symbol. Italy – particularly the Riviera and the Adriatic coast – became the number one destination of choice. By the mid-1950s, 4.5 million Germans were already traveling across the Alps, marking the beginning of modern mass tourism.¹

The Abbazia di San Galgano near Chiusdino is an outstanding monument of Gothic sacral architecture in Italy. Built in the 13^th century by Cistercian monks, the monastery complex fell into decline after centuries of prosperity and, since the collapse of its roof in the late 18^th century, stands as a monumental church ruin. The three-aisled basilica is striking for the monumental perspective of its pointed arches and the preserved tracery of the large rose windows on the end facades. Combining sacral Gothic style, uncovered walls, and a grass-covered floor in its interior, the complex uniquely embodies the romantic image of longing for a picturesque ruin architecture in the Tuscan countryside.
(Christoph Fuchs)

Note

1
"Geteiltes Deutschland: Modernisierung. Bundesrepublik im Wandel. Tourismus", Lebendiges Museum online, Deutsches Historisches Museum, https://www.hdg.de/lemo/kapitel/geteiltes-deutschland-modernisierung/bundesrepublik-im-wandel/tourismus.html (accessed 26.6.2026)