Saint Martin's Abbey

Saint Martin's Abbey are stone remains sitting at the summit of Monte Acuziano at an elevation of 489 meters (1,604 feet). The ruins show foundation walls and structures dating from the 11th-century monastic complex.

Construction of the monastery started in 1097 under Abbot Bernard II as a replacement for Farfa Abbey, but work halted when he died. The project was never resumed, leaving the complex unfinished.

The abbey was dedicated to Saint Martin, Bishop of Tours, and served as the burial place of the 11th-century chronicler Gregorio da Catino. Visitors today can sense the connection between spiritual life and scholarly work in medieval times at this location.

The archaeological site is reached via hiking trail number 493, which starts from the Quattro Venti area in Fara in Sabina. Good footwear and some stamina are needed because of the climb to the summit.

From the hilltop one can see the Tiber Valley, Mount Terminillo, Mount Pellecchia, Mount Gennaro, and the town of Fara in Sabina. On clear days a wide landscape view opens up, showing why this summit was chosen for a monastery.