The last Greek monastery in Italy

The Abbey of Grottaferrata is one of a kind: the last Greek-Byzantine rite monastery still alive in central Italy, heir to the many Italo-Greek monasteries that once dotted the South. Its monks are Catholics in communion with Rome, yet they celebrate the liturgy according to the Eastern tradition, forming a rare and precious living bridge between the Churches of West and East.

St Nilus and the Basilian monks

The abbey was founded in 1004 by St Nilus of Rossano, a Calabrian monk of Greek culture, and completed by his disciple St Bartholomew. The monks follow the rule of St Basil (the "Basilian monks"): they live by prayer, study and work in keeping with Eastern monastic spirituality. For a thousand years they have safeguarded the Greek tradition here, passing through eras and upheavals without ever losing their identity.

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The Byzantine liturgy

Attending a Byzantine liturgy in Grottaferrata is a moving experience: chants in Greek, incense, icons and a ritual quite unlike the Latin one, wrapped in a mystical atmosphere. The church itself, with the iconostasis that screens the altar, reflects this tradition. It is a rare chance to encounter the Eastern face of Christianity up close, within a Catholic setting.

The laboratory for the restoration of ancient books

The abbey is also famous worldwide for its laboratory for the restoration of ancient books and parchments, active for nearly a century and recognized as a center of excellence. Heir to the old monastic scriptorium, it preserves and rescues precious manuscripts and volumes: living proof of the bond between the monks, culture and the safeguarding of knowledge.

A bridge between East and West

Grottaferrata carries a strong ecumenical meaning: it embodies the possibility of uniting the two great Christian traditions. That is why scholars, pilgrims and the curious come here from all over the world. For the historical background see the history of the Abbey of Grottaferrata and the complete guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Greek-Byzantine rite of Grottaferrata? It is the liturgy of the Eastern (Greek) tradition celebrated by the abbey's monks, who are Catholics in communion with Rome: a rare living bridge between East and West.

Who was St Nilus? St Nilus of Rossano, a Calabrian monk of Greek culture, founder of the abbey in 1004; the work was completed by his disciple St Bartholomew.

Who are the Basilian monks? Monks who follow the rule of St Basil, in keeping with Eastern monastic spirituality, made of prayer, study and work.

Can you attend the Byzantine liturgy? Yes, you can usually take part in the celebrations in the Greek rite; check the times and arrangements on site, respecting this place of worship.

What is the restoration laboratory? A renowned center for the restoration of ancient books and parchments, heir to the abbey's old scriptorium and recognized internationally.

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Article #656 · Category: Day Trips · Updated: May 2026