Cathedral of Grottaferrata

The Abbey of Santa Maria combines Early Christian, Romanesque, Byzantine, and Baroque architectural styles within its stone walls and fortified structure. The monastery houses a substantial library and remains an active center of monastic life with a resident community.

A holy man named Nilus founded the monastery in the early 11th century on the Tusculan hills, using materials from Roman ruins. The community has maintained its religious mission at this location continuously since its establishment.

The monastery preserves Greek language use and Byzantine ritual practices that visitors can witness during services today. These eastern traditions create a distinct religious atmosphere that differs clearly from western Catholic practice.

The monastery is located about 25 kilometers southeast of Rome and can be reached by various means of transport. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing and check opening hours or any restrictions for touring the site.

The monastery stands as the last remaining institution of Italo-Greek monasticism and has remained continuously active since its founding. Its continuation of this particular monastic tradition makes it exceptionally rare and significant in Europe.