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To reach the Badia a Passignano, from Florence take the Firenze-Siena (this road starts from the A1 highway at Firenze-Certosa) towards Siena, exit at Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, after the exit, turn right and passed about 100 meters after crossing the bridge over the river Pesa, turn newly on the right, continue along this road until you arrive to see the village of Sambuca, then turn to the left to Badia a Passignano, continue for another 2 km and then you'll begin to see the beautiful Abbey nestling in the hills of Chianti.

This Abbey of the Benedictine order of Vallombrosa was founded in 1049 by S. Giovanni Gualberto, it has the form of a quadrangular fortified monastic complex with corner towers. Towards the middle of the 15 century the convent was augmented by the addition of cloisters and a wall. The church boasts paintings by Domenico Cresti (called "Il Passignano" because he had been born here around 1559). In October 1810, the Vallombrosa Congregation was dissolved and the Abbey of Passignano closed. In December 1825, the Community was established again but in 1866, due to a new abolition of all religious orders, the Italian royal government seized the entire property of the Abbey including the monastery, leaving a little part only to the monks who kept the custody of the church and the parish church. In October 1870, the Abbey of Passignano and its property was auctioned off by the Government, which did not know how to use it. October 1986 marks a new historical date for the Abbey of Passignano, on that date, the Benedictine monks of the Vallombrosa Congregation, took newly possession of the Abbey.

The main structures of Badia a Passignano open onto the courtyard, which is reached by passing along an avenue of cypresses. Among these is the Church of Saint Michael Archangel, which probably dates back to the 13 century. The church possesses a unique nave in the form of a latin cross. It was reconstructed in the second half of the 16 century and then once again at the start of the 18 century and in the middle of the 19 century. The entrance doorway to the monastery is located in front of the church. The monastery is occupied by a tiny community of vallombrosan monks, and may be visited upon request Sunday afternoons when a guide is made available. From the main doorway, one enters a small square characterised by two towers. The stone entrance dates from the 15 century. The refectory, the kitchen and the chapter's room, which opens onto the cloister, may be visited. Outside the walls of the complex is the little village of Borgo di Passignano with a 12 century house tower and the church of San Biagio.