Abbey of Santo Stefano in Rivomaris, abbey in Casalbordino, Italy

The Abbey of Santo Stefano in Rivomaris is a medieval monastery in ruins near Casalbordino on Italy's coast. The structure consisted of a church with three sections separated by columns, featuring a mosaic floor with geometric patterns, plants and animals, along with buildings for monastic life.

The original church dates from between the mid-5th and 6th centuries, built on a branch of the Via Flaminia in the territory of Histonium. A Benedictine community is attested at the end of the 10th century under Count Trasmondo II of Chieti, and the abbey first depended on Farfa. In 1060 the Norman Ugo Malmozzetto sacked it, and in 1257 it was annexed to the Cistercian abbey of Santa Maria d'Arabona. Turkish raids in the 16th century destroyed it beyond recovery.

The name Santo Stefano refers to Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Over centuries, the abbey was a spiritual center where monks prayed, worked, and buried their dead, showing how closely it was woven into the daily life of the local community.

The site is easy to reach from Casalbordino and sits in a quiet area with fields and narrow streets, making exploration straightforward. Visitors should know the abbey consists mainly of ruins and sits at an elevated point overlooking the coast.

The church mosaic features a vine symbolizing life and a deer symbolizing longing for spiritual renewal after baptism. These details were revealed through archaeological excavations and offer insight into the theological meaning the monks placed on their surroundings.