I always thought Excalibur was just that – a legend, a myth, a folktale. I mean, how could a sword be stuck inside a solid piece of stone, right? That kind of thing only happens in movies. So, you can imagine my surprise when I found myself standing face-to-face with a real-life Excalibur.
No, it wasn’t King Arthur’s. It didn’t glow with magical powers. But there it was – embedded deep in a massive rock, just like the stories say.
The story behind this sword is nothing like the one from Camelot, but it’s just as unique and captivating. If you love history, legends, or just the thrill of discovering something unexpected, this is a place worth visiting. Let me take you there.
Table of contents:
- How I discovered the Italian Excalibur
- The legend behind the sword
- How to visit the Italian Excalibur
- Final thoughts
How I discovered the Italian Excalibur
I was in Italy, spending time at my boyfriend’s place in Rimini (a beautiful seaside city). One day, while we were relaxing, he casually asked me if I knew about Italy’s version of Excalibur in Tuscany.
“What? There’s no such thing as Excalibur. That’s impossible! Are you for real? No, you’re joking!” I laughed.
But he wasn’t joking. He suggested we stop by to see it on our way to Siena, and I agreed – half curious, half skeptical. A few days later, I was standing in front of the legendary sword, snapping photos in disbelief.
The legend behind the sword
According to historians, the sword was plunged into the rock in 1180 by Galgano Guidotti, a nobleman from Chiusdano. Unlike the heroic King Arthur, Galgano wasn’t exactly the ideal knight. He was arrogant, selfish, and spent his days indulging in pleasures.
Everything changed after he had a vision of the Archangel Michael. The vision led him to Montesiepi, where he had a profound moment of realization – he needed to renounce all material things. But Galgano wasn’t convinced. He claimed that giving up his old ways would be as impossible as splitting a rock. To prove his point, he struck his sword against a stone… and the blade sank in as if the rock were butter.
He spent the rest of his life as a hermit, devoted to his new faith. When he died in 1181, legend says he was found kneeling in prayer before the sword. Over time, myths arose that anyone who dared to remove it would have their arms ripped out.
For centuries, people dismissed the sword as a hoax. But in the early 2000s, scientific analysis confirmed that the metal dates back to the 12th century – making the legend all the more intriguing.
How to visit the Italian Excalibur
If you ever find yourself in Tuscany, take a trip to San Galgano, a tiny village where this medieval relic is on display. You’ll find it inside a small chapel on top of a hill, just a short 5 – 10 minute walk from the parking lot.
Tips for your visit
- Bring a good camera. The chapel is dimly lit, and the sword is inside a glass case that reflects sunlight. A camera with good settings for low light will help you capture it properly.
- Check opening hours. The chapel isn’t open 24/7:
- Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Time your visit with the sunset. If you love golden hour photography, arriving before closing time will reward you with breathtaking Tuscan sunset views.
- Pack snacks and drinks. There are no cafés or stores nearby (at least none within walking distance), so be prepared. If you need inspiration, check out my healthy, nutritious recipes for easy, travel-friendly snack ideas.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The short hike up the hill isn’t difficult, but leave the high heels at home.
- You’ll need a car. Public transport won’t get you there, so renting a car or joining a guided tour is your best option.
Don’t miss the Abbey of San Galgano
Since you’re already in the area, make sure to visit the Abbey of San Galgano. This stunning 13th-century Gothic church has roofless walls that create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. It’s one of those places that transports you straight into a medieval fantasy novel.
Final thoughts
Whether you believe in legends or not, standing in front of this ancient sword makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a forgotten chapter of history. If you ever get the chance to visit Tuscany, add this spot to your list – it’s a mix of history, mystery, and a little bit of magic.