Convento di San Francesco Subiaco
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Convento di San Francesco Subiaco

4.6
·117 reviews·Subiaco, Italy

A serene Franciscan convent with restored frescoes and welcoming nuns, offering a glimpse into history and spirituality.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunday mornings

Mass times offer a spiritual experience.

CrowdMedium
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Convento di San Francesco Subiaco

Convento di San Francesco Subiaco

Best Time

Sunday mornings

Mass times offer a spiritual experience.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene Franciscan convent with restored frescoes and welcoming nuns, offering a glimpse into history and spirituality.

4.6
(117 reviews)

"The nuns are very kind and welcome the faithful with a beautiful smile."

Vertical photo
TIP

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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Restored Frescoes

Restored Frescoes

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

Franciscan Nuns

Franciscan Nuns

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

Antoniazzo Romano Altarpiece

Antoniazzo Romano Altarpiece

Admire the beautiful 1464 altarpiece by Antoniazzo Romano, a stunning centerpiece of the church.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

The Convento di San Francesco Subiaco is a serene retreat. While open for visits, it's best to check specific hours, especially outside of Mass times. Knocking on the nuns' door is often welcomed for a more personal tour of the church, cloister, and refectory. Reddit

A Place of Peace

This ancient Franciscan convent offers a glimpse into history and spirituality. Visitors often praise the kindness of the resident nuns and the recently restored frescoes. Consider a guided tour for a richer experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Sunday mornings
Why
Mass times offer a spiritual experience.
Crowd
Medium
When
Saturday afternoons
Why
Ideal for exploring the convent.
Crowd
Low
When
Outside of service hours
Why
Nuns are often available for tours.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

💧 Acqua Maestra di Vita – Convegno per un Futuro Sostenibile 💧 Nella cornice unica del Convento di San Francesco a Subiaco, abbiamo partecipato con entusiasmo al convegno “Acqua Maestra di Vita”, un momento di riflessione e confronto dedicato alla sostenibilità e al futuro delle nostre comunità. BMaxwell ha portato il proprio contributo attraverso l’innovazione che da anni promuoviamo, con soluzio...
antonello2707
2 likes • 43 views

Knock for a Tour

Don't hesitate to knock on the nuns' door; they're happy to show you around the church and cloister. Reddit

Support the Convent

A donation for the church's maintenance is appreciated and helps preserve this historic site. Reddit

Solidarietà e comunità: a Bellegra un pranzo per la Terra Santa Bellegra – Una domenica di fraternità e beneficenza ha animato il convento di San Francesco, dove il 21 settembre si è svolto un pranzo all’aperto che ha raccolto un’ampia partecipazione da Bellegra e dai comuni vicini: San Vito Romano, Subiaco, Olevano Romano, Rocca Santo Stefano, Agosta e Artena. Una tavolata che ha saputo unire co...
luigi.palamara
1 likes • 283 views

Check Visiting Hours

While flexible, it's wise to confirm specific visiting hours, especially outside of Mass. Reddit

Embrace the Serenity

This is a place of peace; enjoy the quiet atmosphere and historical significance. Reddit

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. Reddit

Support the Convent

A donation for the church's maintenance is appreciated and helps preserve this historic site. Reddit

Check Visiting Hours

While flexible, it's wise to confirm specific visiting hours, especially outside of Mass. Reddit

Embrace the Serenity

This is a place of peace; enjoy the quiet atmosphere and historical significance. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(117 reviews)

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. Reddit+1

"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

Kind and cheerful nuns
Restored frescoes
Historic artworks

What People Dislike

Limited visiting hours

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no mention of mandatory ticket purchases. Entry to the church is generally free, though donations for maintenance are appreciated. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, visitors have reported success in visiting outside of official hours by kindly knocking on the nuns' door, who are often happy to accommodate. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 ⛪ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

While not always formally advertised, the resident nuns often provide informal guided tours, which are highly recommended for a more enjoyable and informative experience. Reddit

Its history began with Saint Francis of Assisi's arrival in 1223. It's a testament to Franciscan history and spirituality in the region. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Convento di San Francesco Subiaco is a place of quiet contemplation, families can still find value in a visit. The kindness of the nuns can be particularly engaging for children, offering a gentle introduction to religious communities. Reddit The restored frescoes might capture their imagination with their vibrant colors and stories. Reddit

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. Reddit

🙏 Spiritual Seekers

For those on a spiritual journey, the Convento di San Francesco Subiaco offers a profound connection to the Franciscan tradition. The presence of the resident nuns, living a life of devotion, imbues the convent with a palpable sense of peace and spirituality. Reddit+1 The history of Saint Francis of Assisi being linked to this area adds another layer of significance. Reddit

Visiting during Mass times can offer an opportunity to participate in a service and experience the convent's spiritual atmosphere firsthand. Reddit Even outside of services, the quiet contemplation of the restored art and the serene surroundings can be deeply moving. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Nuns of San Francesco

The Convento di San Francesco Subiaco is currently home to a small but dedicated community of three Franciscan nuns, all of Ecuadorian origin. Visitors consistently highlight their warmth, cheerfulness, and kindness, making the experience feel personal and welcoming. Sister Nieves, for example, has been noted for her willingness to open the doors and share the convent's treasures with visitors. Reddit+1 Their presence adds a unique spiritual dimension to the visit, transforming it from a mere historical site into a living testament to faith and community. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. Reddit

Artistic Treasures Within

The church at the Convento di San Francesco Subiaco houses several significant artistic works that draw visitors. Among the most notable is a beautiful altarpiece by Antoniazzo Romano, dating back to 1464. Reddit The church also boasts recently restored frescoes that adorn its walls, offering a vibrant glimpse into centuries of artistic expression. Reddit

Further artistic highlights include the Bazzi Chapel, which features a painting by the renowned artist Pinturicchio. Reddit 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. Reddit

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