Monastero di Santa Scolastica
About
The Abbey of Saint Scholastica, nestled just outside the town of Subiaco in Lazio, is a living testament to 16th‑century monasticism that continues to thrive today. Founded in the sixth century by Saint Benedict, the abbey evolved through the centuries into a prestigious territorial abbey, boasting a complex of three cloisters that span three distinct architectural styles: the oldest, a cosmatesque 12th‑13th‑century cloister; the middle one, a 14th‑15th‑century Gothic cloister; and the newest, a late‑René‑classical cloister finished in 1689. At its heart stands a beautiful Gothic abbey church, complemented by a Romanesque‑style campanile that was restored in the late 18th century under the direction of Giacomo Quarenghi. The church’s soaring nave and intricate stonework make it a highlight for lovers of medieval architecture and sacred art. Beyond the abbey, the Sacro Speco, or Holy Cave, offers a fascinating glimpse into the early hermitic life of Saint Benedict, complete with frescoes from the 13th‑15th centuries and a statue of Benedict by Antonio Raggi dated 1657. Together, these sites offer visitors a layered experience of religious devotion, artistic heritage, and historical continuity.
Highlights
- Three Cloisters
- Gothic Abbey Church
- Sacro Speco (Holy Cave)