Monastero di Santa Scolastica
The oldest Benedictine monastery still in existence, with three cloisters from different periods, an 18th-century church and a library of codices and incunabula.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Monastero di Santa Scolastica stands a little below the Sacro Speco, in the so-called Valle Santa, and is considered the oldest Benedictine monastery still in existence: tradition traces it to a foundation by Saint Benedict around 520. Originally it was dedicated to Saint Silvester and took its present name between the 9th and 14th centuries. It withstood earthquakes and Saracen raids for longer than other monasteries and reached its greatest splendour between the 11th and 13th centuries.
The complex includes three cloisters built in different periods: the Cosmatesque cloister of the 13th century, the Gothic one of the 14th century and the Renaissance one of the 16th century. The bell tower retains its 12th-century layout, while the church was rebuilt in 1770 and is attributed to the Neoclassical architect Giacomo Quarenghi. The entrance portal with the motto “Ora et labora” was remade in the 20th century after bomb damage.
In 1465 the first printing press in Italy was set up here, which enriched the library with incunabula. Today the monastery preserves works of art and finds dating from the 9th to the 18th century, as well as a state library with ancient codices and about 100,000 volumes.
Highlights
- Three cloisters: Cosmatesque, Gothic and Renaissance
- Church rebuilt in 1770, attributed to Giacomo Quarenghi
- Site of the first printing press in Italy (1465)
- Library with ancient codices and incunabula
- Works of art and finds from the 9th to the 18th century
- Operated by
- Direzione regionale Musei nazionali Lazio
- Visitors per year
- approx. 46,975
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The monastery can only be reached by private transport; a car park is available nearby.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Photography | Photography is permitted. |
| Good to know | The visit is guided only and lasts about an hour; booking is not required. |
