A complex to discover in silence
A visit to the Abbey of the Three Fountains (Abbazia delle Tre Fontane) is an experience of peace and spirituality: three churches tucked into a eucalyptus wood, far from the noise of the city. Here's what not to miss as you wander the monastic complex.
Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio
The abbey church of Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio is the heart of monastic life: an austere, solemn building of medieval Cistercian design, with spare interiors that invite quiet reflection. Its simplicity is part of the appeal, mirroring the spirit of restraint of the Trappist monks who live here.
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San Paolo alle Tre Fontane
The church most closely tied to the memory of the martyrdom is San Paolo alle Tre Fontane, built on the spot where, according to tradition, the apostle was beheaded. Inside you'll find the three spring sites and the column to which, legend says, St Paul was bound. It's the spiritual core of the complex. Dig deeper in our guide to Tre Fontane and the martyrdom of St Paul.
Santa Maria Scala Coeli
The third church, Santa Maria Scala Coeli, has an octagonal plan and is linked to a vision of St Bernard, who is said to have seen souls rising to heaven here (the "stairway to heaven"). It preserves mosaics and a crypt, in an intimate, evocative setting.
The eucalyptus wood and the atmosphere
Beyond the churches, part of the experience is the setting: the avenue and the eucalyptus wood surrounding the abbey create a unique atmosphere, fragrant and silent, rare so close to Rome. It's a place to slow down, take a walk and, if you like, buy the monks' products (chocolate, liqueurs, herbal teas), which we cover in our guide to the Trappist monks' chocolate.
How to plan your visit
- Walk the avenue and the eucalyptus wood
- Visit the abbey church of Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio
- Pause for reflection at San Paolo alle Tre Fontane (the springs, the column)
- Discover Santa Maria Scala Coeli
- Stop by the monastery shop for the Trappist monks' products
Frequently asked questions
What is there to see at the Abbey of the Three Fountains? The three churches (Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio, San Paolo alle Tre Fontane with the springs and the column, Santa Maria Scala Coeli), the eucalyptus wood and the monastic atmosphere.
What's inside San Paolo alle Tre Fontane? The three spring sites tied to the legend of the martyrdom, and the column to which, according to tradition, the apostle was bound.
What is Santa Maria Scala Coeli? The octagonal church linked to the vision of St Bernard (the "stairway to heaven"), with mosaics and a crypt.
Is it a place for everyone? Yes. It's an oasis of peace suited to anyone seeking spirituality, nature and quiet, but its history and atmosphere captivate believers and non-believers alike.
How much time do I need? About one to one and a half hours for the three churches and the complex, plus time for the monastery shop.
Read also
- Abbey of the Three Fountains: complete guide
- Tre Fontane and the martyrdom of St Paul
- The Trappist monks' chocolate at Tre Fontane
- How to get to the Abbey of the Three Fountains
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Article #631 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026