A haven of peace on the site of St Paul's martyrdom

South of Rome, toward EUR and tucked inside a eucalyptus wood, lies one of the city's most evocative and least-visited spiritual destinations: the Abbazia delle Tre Fontane (Abbey of the Three Fountains). According to tradition, this is where St Paul was martyred (beheaded), and the place takes its name from the three springs that, as legend has it, burst forth where his head touched the ground three times. Today the complex, home to Trappist monks, is an oasis of silence and contemplation, also famous for its celebrated products (the chocolate above all).

The complex of three churches

The abbey is made up of three churches, each tied to the memory of St Paul and to Christian tradition:

  • Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio, the abbey church, austere and captivating.
  • Santa Maria Scala Coeli, linked to a vision of St Bernard.
  • San Paolo alle Tre Fontane, built on the site of the martyrdom, with the three springs.

We dig deeper into the history in the Tre Fontane and the martyrdom of St Paul.

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The Trappist monks and their products

The abbey is home to Trappist monks (the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance), who live here a life of prayer, silence and work. Their products are renowned: above all the Trappist chocolate, but also liqueurs (such as the eucalyptus liqueur), herbal teas and other goods made at the abbey. Picking some up at the monastery shop is part of the experience. We cover it in our guide to the Trappist chocolate of the Tre Fontane.

Visiting and how to get there

Entry to the complex is generally free (the churches are places of worship; hours are approximate, so check on site). For a detailed look at what to see, read what to see at the Tre Fontane. To plan your trip, see how to get to the Abbazia delle Tre Fontane. It pairs perfectly with a visit to San Paolo fuori le Mura.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Abbazia delle Tre Fontane? A monastery complex south of Rome, on the site of St Paul's martyrdom, made up of three churches and home to Trappist monks. A haven of peace set among the eucalyptus trees.

Why is it called "delle Tre Fontane" (of the Three Fountains)? Because of the legend that, after St Paul's beheading, his head touched the ground three times, making three springs burst forth, above which the church of San Paolo alle Tre Fontane now stands.

What is there to see? The three churches (Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio, Santa Maria Scala Coeli, San Paolo alle Tre Fontane) and the monastic atmosphere; you can also buy the Trappist monks' products.

Is there an entrance fee? No, access to the complex is generally free (these are places of worship). Check the hours on site.

Where is it? South of Rome, in the area toward EUR/Laurentina, tucked inside a eucalyptus wood.

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Article #628 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026