"The real discovery of this monastic complex isn't the abbey itself (sorry...it didn't thrill me...beautiful but not spectacular) but its small archaeological museum, actually established about a century and a half ago with the first artifacts discovered in the area and subsequently renovated. The collection, the fruit of the expertise of several monks, is housed in the Renaissance rooms (one stunning one is even frescoed) of the Palazzo del Commendatario and is displayed chronologically. Open only on Fridays and Saturdays (and the first and third Sunday of the month), it costs just €5 and consists of just a handful of rooms, the last of which is dedicated to educational screenings and activities. It begins with a series of Roman-era statues retracing two millennia of the area's history. The most astonishing feature is the reconstruction of the Hypogeum of the Garlands, discovered near the nearby Catacombs ad Decimum, which houses the sarcophagi and burials of Aebutia Quarta and T. Carvilinus Gemellus, father and son, respectively (the grave goods also include a precious gold and rock crystal ring). In the main hall, there are some fragments of medieval frescoes that survived from the abbey's restorations, as well as many stelae, including a stele dating to the late 5th or early 6th century BC, depicting a seated youth reading a scroll. There are also numerous marble artefacts, sarcophagi, portraits, including one of Alexander the Great and one of Constantine, and beautiful pieces of Byzantine and more recent art. It practically occupies the wall that runs along the corner of the structure next to the entrance door and overlooks the square with the statue of Saint Nilus. Absolutely not to be missed. Need some useful info? Then leave a like and check out our other reviews of Rome and beyond."

Roberto Cecchini

"A small but very interesting museum located within the fortress garden that encloses the Greek Abbey of San Nilo in Grottaferrata. It comprises eight rooms with an informative video on the various changes the abbey/fortress has undergone since its construction, and includes historical artifacts that describe this journey. It costs only €5 and was a pleasant discovery. The only drawback is that you can't pay by card. Parking is easy in the area, with most paid parking available. There was no line and very little traffic, so it will be a very pleasant visit. The garden before the museum entrance is enchanting, and the abbey is spectacular, although they were rehearsing for a wedding, so we couldn't take photos or even visit the crypt inside—a shame. I also recommend going up to see the library."

valeria carnevali

"We stopped there on our way back to Rome from Ariccia, almost by chance, and it was a very interesting discovery. It's easy to get to, the directions are clear, and parking is convenient. The abbey has a special charm both inside and out, where I was able to attend an Orthodox service. I recommend a visit to admire a cross-section of Byzantine and Baroque art."

Patrizia Mignani