What to do · Subiaco
Monastery of San Benedetto, the Sacro Speco
Information
- Duration
- 1 h 15
- Season
- All year
- Who it's for
- Medieval art, spirituality, landscape
About three kilometres from Subiaco, above the Aniene valley, the monastery of San Benedetto clings to a rock wall. It was built over the cave, the Sacro Speco, where St Benedict lived as a hermit at the end of the 5th century, before founding his monasteries and writing the Rule. Inside are churches and chapels stacked on several levels, covered in frescoes from the 13th to the 15th centuries, which descend to the grotto. In the chapel of St Gregory is the portrait of St Francis of Assisi considered the oldest, painted in the saint's lifetime.
Hours
Open every day. In the morning, from 9:00 to 12:30 (last entry at 12:00); in the afternoon, from 15:00 to 17:00 in winter (2 November to 31 March) and from 15:00 to 18:00 in summer. On Sunday mornings part of the sanctuary is closed for the masses at 8:30 and 10:00. For safety, you enter only accompanied by a guide; individual visitors and small groups do not need to book.
Rules
Photos may be taken without flash. Only small dogs are admitted, carried in arms or in a carrier. From the car park you walk up a path among holm oaks, about ten minutes.
Getting there
By car from Subiaco, along the road of the monasteries, with parking below. Without a car, from the village it is about three kilometres uphill; better a taxi on the way up.
Tips
- Avoid Sunday morning Part of the sanctuary closes for masses.
- Look for St Francis The portrait in the chapel of St Gregory is the piece you cannot miss.
Frequently asked questions
What are the hours?
From 9:00 to 12:30 and in the afternoon from 15:00 to 17:00 in winter or 18:00 in summer.
Do I need to book?
Not for individual visitors; groups of more than ten give notice by email.
Can you go with a dog?
Only small dogs, in arms or in a carrier.
As a familyWith teenagers
