It is the only monastery in Italy to have preserved the Greek Byzantine rite continuously for over 1,000 years.
The abbey was founded on the site of a former Roman villa, with structural elements from the Roman period still visible in the foundations.
The monastery holds the status of an 'Exarchic Abbey,' meaning it is not part of a diocese but reports directly to the Holy See.
Giuliano da Sangallo, a noted Renaissance architect, designed the defensive external walls and tower in the 1480s.
The abbey's library was a primary center for the preservation and translation of Greek texts during the Middle Ages.
The iconostasis in the main church physically and symbolically separates the sanctuary from the nave, a key feature of Byzantine church architecture.
The monastery is home to an active laboratory for the restoration of antique books and manuscripts.
Saint Nilus, the founder, was a Greek monk from Calabria who fled the Saracen invasions before establishing this community.
The Exarchic Greek Monastery of Santa Maria di Grottaferrata is the last remaining Basilian monastery in Italy, maintaining the Byzantine rite since its founding in 1004. Founded by Saint Nilus the Younger, it serves as an autonomous territorial abbey under the Catholic Church. The architectural complex features a fortified 15th-century entrance tower designed by Giuliano da Sangallo. The interior houses significant frescoes, including works by Domenichino, and a preserved Romanesque bell tower. The abbey library is internationally renowned for its collection of ancient Greek and Latin manuscripts. Monks at this site continue to preserve the Greek liturgical tradition as a bridge between Eastern and Western Christianity. The current structure incorporates remnants of an ancient Roman villa. It stands as a unique example of a living medieval monastic community within the Alban Hills.
The internal courtyard, featuring the Renaissance fountain and the fortified facade.
Visit the laboratory area to observe monks and specialized staff conducting historical document restoration.
Check the notice board at the entrance for schedules of liturgical services performed in Greek.
Explore the small museum on-site to view archaeological artifacts recovered from the monastery grounds.
Avoid taking photographs inside the church during ongoing religious services.
Closed on certain public holidays; parts of the abbey may be restricted during private monastic retreats.
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required; maintain silence inside the church.
