The abbey was originally founded by Cistercian monks from the French abbey of Pontigny.
The church interior is notable for the lack of a transept, which deviates from standard Cistercian architectural norms.
Olimpia Maidalchini, known as 'La Papessa,' commissioned the renovation of the abbey's residential quarters, creating a proto-urban model for the village.
The rose window on the facade was added during the 17th-century reconstruction to align with Baroque sensibilities.
The abbey is built using local volcanic 'peperino' stone, which is characteristic of buildings in the Cimini Mountains area.
Abbazia di San Martino al Cimino is a Cistercian abbey dating back to the 13th century, famous for its unique Gothic architecture in the Viterbo region. The church features a rare layout with an unvaulted nave and massive circular columns that lack traditional capitals. It served as a pivotal residence for Olimpia Maidalchini, the powerful sister-in-law of Pope Innocent X, who significantly modified the structure in the 17th century. The interior houses a distinctive wooden choir from the Baroque period. The building stands in the center of a planned village, which was designed to house the abbey's workers. Its exterior stone facade is characterized by a stark, austere aesthetic typical of the early Cistercian order. The site currently functions as an active Catholic parish church under the Diocese of Viterbo.
From the center of Piazza dell'Oratorio looking up at the rose window and the main portal.
Walk the perimeter of the village surrounding the piazza to see the original 17th-century worker housing.
Check the abbey's Facebook page for updates on temporary closures due to liturgical events or local village festivals.
Do not enter if a wedding or funeral ceremony is in progress; respect the privacy of the parishioners.
Occasionally closed during local village events or liturgical services; check the official Facebook page for specific closures.
Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered. Maintain silence as it is an active place of worship.
