Abbazia delle Tre Fontane

The Abbey of the Three Fountains occupies the Aquae Salviae valley in southern Rome. Three churches and a monastic complex preserve the tradition of Saint Paul's martyrdom within a landscape shaped by successive religious communities.

Why it matters

The name recalls the legend that three springs appeared where Paul's head struck the ground after his execution. This devotional account gives the site its identity, while its buildings record a much longer history of patronage and monastic change.

What to notice

San Paolo alle Tre Fontane was remodelled by Giacomo della Porta at the end of the sixteenth century. Santa Maria Scala Coeli has a compact octagonal form, while Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio provides the larger monastic church. The entrance arch associated with Charlemagne and the grove around the complex add further layers to the setting.

Context and history

The monastery has early medieval origins and became Cistercian in 1140. Nineteenth-century decline was followed by Franciscan occupation in 1826 and a refoundation by monks from La Trappe in 1867. Abbey status followed in 1868. Eucalyptus planting belongs to this later period, adding a distinctive landscape element around the older churches.