
Convento di San Francesco Subiaco
A serene Franciscan convent with restored frescoes and welcoming nuns, offering a glimpse into history and spirituality.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mass times offer a spiritual experience.

Convento di San Francesco Subiaco
Best Time
Mass times offer a spiritual experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Franciscan convent with restored frescoes and welcoming nuns, offering a glimpse into history and spirituality.
"The nuns are very kind and welcome the faithful with a beautiful smile."

Knock for a Tour
Don't hesitate to knock on the nuns' door; they're happy to show you around the church and cloister.
Support the Convent
A donation for the church's maintenance is appreciated and helps preserve this historic site.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Restored Frescoes
Marvel at recently restored ancient frescoes, bringing centuries of art to life within the church walls.

Franciscan Nuns
Experience the warm hospitality of the resident Franciscan nuns, known for their cheerful welcome and kindness.

Antoniazzo Romano Altarpiece
Admire the beautiful 1464 altarpiece by Antoniazzo Romano, a stunning centerpiece of the church.
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A Place of Peace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Knock for a Tour
Don't hesitate to knock on the nuns' door; they're happy to show you around the church and cloister.
Support the Convent
A donation for the church's maintenance is appreciated and helps preserve this historic site.
Check Visiting Hours
While flexible, it's wise to confirm specific visiting hours, especially outside of Mass.
Embrace the Serenity
This is a place of peace; enjoy the quiet atmosphere and historical significance.
Tips
from all over the internet
Knock for a Tour
Don't hesitate to knock on the nuns' door; they're happy to show you around the church and cloister.
Support the Convent
A donation for the church's maintenance is appreciated and helps preserve this historic site.
Check Visiting Hours
While flexible, it's wise to confirm specific visiting hours, especially outside of Mass.
Embrace the Serenity
This is a place of peace; enjoy the quiet atmosphere and historical significance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Convento di San Francesco Subiaco for its serene atmosphere and the exceptional kindness of the resident Franciscan nuns. The recently restored frescoes and the historic artworks are significant draws, offering a rich cultural experience. While small, the convent is well-maintained and provides a peaceful retreat.
"A convent and church run by three friendly and cheerful Franciscan nuns. The church, currently undergoing external renovations, can still be visited; the frescoes have been recently restored. A guided tour is certainly more enjoyable."
Cristina Cappella
"Small convent, but well kept.
The attached church has very old frescoes, an altar with a very beautiful apse, which hides an organ at the back. The nuns are very kind and welcome the faithful with a beautiful smile"
GAB V
"A very ancient Franciscan convent whose history began with the arrival of Saint Francis of Assisi at the Sacro Speco of Subiaco in 1223. Located near the cemetery, the church can be visited during service hours, on Sunday mornings or Saturday afternoons. But outside of these hours you can knock on the nuns who will open the door for you without any problems, showing you not only the church but also the cloister and the refectory. Unfortunately today there are only three nuns left, all of Ecuadorian origin. Sister Nieves opened the door for me and kindly showed me the complex. In the church there is a beautiful altarpiece by Antoniazzo Romano from 1464 (the Madonna is beautiful) and the Bazzi Chapel with scenes from the life of the Madonna and a painting by Pinturicchio. A donation for the maintenance of the church is appreciated."
Rosario Serafino
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The convent is located near the cemetery, about ten kilometers from the city of Subiaco. It's nestled among the rocks where Nero built dams on the Aniene River. Public transport options might be limited, so driving or arranging a taxi from Subiaco is often recommended.
Information on dedicated parking is scarce, but given its location near the cemetery, street parking might be available. It's advisable to check locally upon arrival.
Yes, it's possible to visit the Convento di San Francesco Subiaco as a day trip from Rome, though it requires careful planning due to travel time. Consider combining it with other nearby attractions in Subiaco.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of mandatory ticket purchases. Entry to the church is generally free, though donations for maintenance are appreciated.
The church can be visited during service hours, typically Sunday mornings or Saturday afternoons. Outside these times, you can often knock on the nuns' door for access.
While not explicitly stated, access to the cloister and refectory is usually granted by the nuns when they show you around. Donations are encouraged to support the convent's upkeep.
Yes, visitors have reported success in visiting outside of official hours by kindly knocking on the nuns' door, who are often happy to accommodate.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can vary. It's best to be respectful and discreet. If unsure, ask the resident nuns for permission before taking photos, especially of the frescoes and altarpiece.
The restored frescoes, the altar with its beautiful apse, and the cloister are prime spots for photography. The surrounding natural landscape also offers picturesque views.
There are no specific mentions of drone photography restrictions, but it's generally advisable to avoid using drones in religious or historical sites without explicit permission.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
You can see recently restored frescoes, a beautiful altarpiece by Antoniazzo Romano, the Bazzi Chapel with a Pinturicchio painting, and the cloister. The nuns may also show you the refectory.
A visit can be quite short if you're just seeing the church, perhaps 30 minutes. However, with a guided tour by the nuns, it could extend to an hour or more, allowing for a deeper appreciation.
While not always formally advertised, the resident nuns often provide informal guided tours, which are highly recommended for a more enjoyable and informative experience.
Its history began with Saint Francis of Assisi's arrival in 1223. It's a testament to Franciscan history and spirituality in the region.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during less crowded times, like Saturday afternoons, to allow children to explore without feeling overwhelmed. A brief, focused visit to the church and perhaps a glimpse of the cloister might be sufficient to maintain their interest. Remember to encourage respectful behavior in this sacred space.
🙏 Spiritual Seekers
Visiting during Mass times can offer an opportunity to participate in a service and experience the convent's spiritual atmosphere firsthand. Even outside of services, the quiet contemplation of the restored art and the serene surroundings can be deeply moving.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Nuns of San Francesco
These nuns are the custodians of this ancient place, ensuring its preservation and continuing its tradition of hospitality. They are often happy to provide informal guided tours, sharing insights into the church's art and history. Their dedication ensures that the convent remains a place of peace and reflection, offering a genuine connection to the Franciscan way of life for those who visit.
Artistic Treasures Within
Further artistic highlights include the Bazzi Chapel, which features a painting by the renowned artist Pinturicchio. These artworks, combined with the ancient architecture, create an atmosphere of profound historical and artistic significance, making the convent a must-visit for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit