A Greek monastery just outside Rome

In the Castelli Romani (the Roman Castles hill towns), about twenty kilometers from Rome, stands a place unlike anywhere else in Italy: the Abbey of Santa Maria di Grottaferrata, also known as the Greek Abbey of San Nilo. Founded in 1004, it is the last surviving monastery of the Byzantine rite in this area: the monks are Catholic, yet they celebrate the Greek liturgy, forming a rare living bridge between East and West. A fortified abbey rich in art and history, it makes the perfect day trip from Rome, far from the crowds.

Why visit Grottaferrata

The Abbey of Grottaferrata brings together art, spirituality, and a thousand years of history: the church with its Byzantine mosaics, the Domenichino frescoes, the Renaissance fortified walls, the museum, and a renowned laboratory for the restoration of ancient books. It is also your chance to discover the Castelli Romani, with Frascati, its wine, and great food, on a relaxing day out of the city.

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What to see at the Abbey

The visit takes in some genuine masterpieces:

  • The church of Santa Maria with its Byzantine mosaics and iconostasis.
  • The chapel of St Nilus with the Domenichino frescoes.
  • The Renaissance fortified walls and the moat.
  • The abbey museum, with ancient and medieval artifacts.

Read more in what to see at the Abbey of Grottaferrata.

The Greek-Byzantine rite

What sets this abbey apart is the Byzantine rite: the Basilian monks follow the Greek liturgy, with icons, chants, and a spirituality rooted in the Eastern tradition, while remaining in communion with Rome. The abbey is also famous for its laboratory for the restoration of ancient books. Discover this unique side in the Greek Abbey of San Nilo.

History and how to get there

Founded in 1004 by St Nilus and completed by St Bartholomew, the abbey carries a thousand years of history, which you can explore in the history of the Abbey of Grottaferrata. To plan your trip, see how to get to Grottaferrata from Rome. It pairs well with Frascati and the Castelli Romani. Hours and admission are approximate, so check the official website.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Abbey of Grottaferrata? A monastery founded in 1004 in the Castelli Romani, the last of the Greek-Byzantine rite still surviving in the area: the monks are Catholic but celebrate the Greek liturgy.

Why is it famous? For the Byzantine rite, the Domenichino frescoes in the chapel of St Nilus, the Byzantine mosaics, the fortified walls, and the laboratory for the restoration of ancient books.

Where is it? In Grottaferrata, in the Castelli Romani, about 20 km southeast of Rome, near Frascati.

Can you visit it? Yes, the abbey and the museum are open to visitors (hours are approximate, so check the official website). It is a place of worship: please respect the silence.

Is it worth it as a day trip from Rome? Absolutely: it combines art, a thousand years of history, and spirituality, and pairs with the Castelli Romani for a full day out.

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Article #653 · Category: Day Trips · Updated: May 2026