Grottaferrata
Small and elegant, its history is permanently linked to the well known Abbey of Saint Nilus and to the historical fair of medieval times
Once lying amid vineyards, Grottaferrata is today one of the most elegant and popular residential areas and holiday locations in the Castelli Romani region. The small town is particularly known for the Abbazia di San Nilo (Abbey of Saint Nilus) around which the residential area developed throughout the centuries. Even nowadays, the Abbey is considered the town's landmark. The Abbey is home to the Basilian monks who follow the Byzantine rite observed by the Church of Constantinople. The monastery was founded 50 years before the Great Schism yet after this period remained in communion with the Church of Rome while preserving the Byzantine rite and monastic traditions. Therefore, any Catholic can take part in the Bizantine rite in the Abbey of Saint Nilus and can receive its sacraments.
Grottaferrata is also renowned for its historical National Fair, which has taken place every year, in early spring, since the 11th century. This was at the time when a great number of pilgrims and merchants visited the Monastery periodically.
Noteworthy, are the well preserved Catacombe Ad Decimum (Catacombs Ad Decimum), just outside the town centre, as well as ruins of the ancient city of Tusculum, destroyed in 1191, to which the actual territory of Grottaferrata belonged.
History background
Each town completes the general background of Castelli Romani with its own chapter of history
Celebrations & Festivals
Charm, folklore, conviviality is what make these moments of ancient tradition unique
Accommodation
The Castelli Romani offer a great range of accommodation choices to suite your needs: hotels, B&bs, agritourisms... and much more
Eating
Michelin-starred restaurants, typical trattoria, traditional taverns, and much more...you will be spoiled for choice eating out in the Castelli Romani
Typical products
Flavours and aromas; genuine and authentic products are the ingredients of our unique culinary art
