Grottaferrata between Abbey, Catacomb and Villa Culture

Monastic History and Underground Testimonies

Grottaferrata combines monastic heritage with impressive evidence of antiquity and a distinctive villa culture. The Greek Abbey of San Nilo was founded in 1004 by a group of Greek monks from southern Italy led by Saint Nilo of Rossano. For you, this starting point opens up access to a local history in which religious tradition, art and older traces exist side by side.

The early Christian history is particularly strikingly revealed in the Ad Decimum Catacomb. Numerous frescoes and funerary inscriptions have been preserved there. Two barrel-vaulted galleries carved into the tuff branch off into smaller side passages; together, they are 225 metres long. From the end of the 3rd century to the first half of the 5th century AD, the catacomb was used as a cemetery.

The visiting hours are also important for your planning: The Ad Decimum Catacomb is open on Sundays from April to September from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 16:00 to 18:30. From October to March, Sunday opening hours are 10:00 to 12:30 and 15:00 to 17:00.

Villas, Garden Spaces and Art

Villa Cavalletti dates its origins back to the second half of the 16th century. The Villa Cavalletti Monumental Park encompasses the grounds surrounding the villa, enclosed by clipped hedges and featuring dense groves of laurel and coniferous trees. This makes the villa landscape appealing also to visitors who wish to combine historic architecture with landscaped outdoor spaces.

Villa Grazioli, now used as a hotel and restaurant, features valuable painting cycles from the 16th to the 18th century depicting its history. Visits to Villa Grazioli can be arranged by telephone with the hotel at 06 945400. The abbey library preserves more than 1,000 old manuscripts and around 50,000 valuable volumes.

The geographical setting is also clear: Grottaferrata is part of the Parco Naturale Regionale dei Castelli Romani.

Market Dates and Local Tradition

A special combination of crafts, gastronomy and tradition is showcased at the Fiera Nazionale dell’Artigianato e dell’Enogastronomia. It has been held in front of San Nilo Abbey at the end of March for more than 400 years. More than 200 exhibitors offer a gastronomic tour where Italian specialities can be sampled and purchased.

The patronal festival of San Nilo da Rossano takes place on 26 September to commemorate the saint’s death. It is accompanied by a large market featuring agricultural, artisanal and gastronomic products.

More Destinations for Trip Planning

Discover more places here: Rignano Flaminio, Nettuno, Pisciarelli, Borgo Santa Rita, Canterano, Pavona, Labico and Frascati.

Return to the higher-level travel overview: Rome.