The Badia di Passignano (The Abbey of Passignano), located in the Chianti Classico region, is an ancient monastery dating back to 395, when it was established by the archbishop of Florence. Even today it is still inhabited by monks of the Vallombrosian Order, who remain the guardians of their cultural and historical treasures.
The Vallombrosian Order, a reformed branch of the Benedictines specializing in grape growing and forestry, was founded by Saint Giovanni Gualberto, whose relics have been located in the church of the abbey since his death in 1073.
Since the Middle Ages, the Vallombrosian monks and the Badia di Passignano are known for their attention to classical and musical texts, for having promoted scientific research (Galileo Galilei taught there in 1587), and for looking after the surrounding land by means of cultivation, especially grapevines, and reforestation.