Fossanova's Abbey
The history of Fossanova dates back to the time of the Roman Empire. An ancient Roman villa, whose remains can still be seen today, was largely used by the Benedictine monks to build the first Romanesque construction (529 A. D.). The construction, named after St. Stephen protomartyr, was later enlarged by the Cistercian monks who settled in Fossanova around 1135 A.D. turning the complex into a vital centre from the spiritual, as well as cultural and artistic, point of view. Fossanova with its white, renovated bell tower proudly pierces the sky in a picturesque valley surrounded by secular and rugged oak trees, where silently the Amaseno River flows. The monastery was constructed in 1187 - 1208, in an early-Gothic manner. In addition, the cloister, refectory and chapter house deserve close inspection. Of course, no one should miss the chapel dedicated to St. Thomas Aquinas. This is the room where the saint died in 1274 while on a voyage from Naples to Lyons, France. The room has an 18th century relief of the saint's death. The church, consecrated in 1208, has a plain facade dominated by a rose window and a Gothic door. The interior consists of nave and aisles separated by compound piers, and a rectangular presbytery flanked by four chapels - two on each side. The ceiling is cross-vaulted with transverse arches in the Burgundian Gothic style. The fame of the abbey was fostered by renowned guests, such as Pope Innocent III and St. Thomas Aquinas. The Friars Minor Conventual have been in charge of the abbey since 1932. Soon after their arrival the abbey housed a college of candidates to the priesthood and was a centre of spiritual and intellectual life for many years. The parish of Fossanova was established in 1950. Since then the friars have been involved in pastoral activity, too. In 1974, on the occasion of the VII centenary of St. Thomas Aquinas's death, Pope Paul VI visited Fossanova, attracting thousands of faithful from the whole province to the little village. The abbey has remained a strong reference point for spiritual life and there has been an appreciable increase in the participation of people. The Franciscans have a busy agenda. Besides the daily care of the rooms of the complex and the reception of a large number of pilgrims, they are committed to pastoral activity, especially through the administration of sacraments - the celebration of Sunday Holy masses, with a special attention to liturgy and preaching; a considerable number of baptisms, confirmations and weddings; confessions and spiritual retreats for small, organized groups. Children and youngsters come to the abbey to attend the Catechism class. A variety of groups are based in Fossanova, e.g. the choir which animates mass, the Franciscan Youth, the Neocatechumenal and the Charismatic Communities, the Marian and Padre Pio groups, and many other initiatives. Artistic and cultural events often take place in the abbey and the Franciscans take an active role in their management, in collaboration with the Monuments and Fine Arts Office of Latium Region, Priverno municipality and the owners of the little village. The abbey is also the chief element of a complex pastoral structure, including 2 parishes with 6 churches and 4500 faithful, on a territory covering almost 15 km. The parishes of Fossanova (3000 faithful) and San Martino (1500 faithful) include the churches of Fossanova (abbey), Sonnino Scalo, Capocroce, Sant'Isidoro, Mazzocchio and San Martino. The ancient mixture of faith, culture and history make the abbey of Fossanova a charming place where everybody, absorbed in the harmony of spirit, art and tradition, can find a rest and distraction from the hectic pace of modern life.
Opening Times
Opening Hours : 7:00 - 12:00 am / 4:00 - 7:30 pm (3:00 - 5:30 pm in winter)
Praying Hours : Weekdays 7:00 am - Office of Readings, Lauds 12:00 am - Angelus, Daytime prayer 5:30 pm - Holy Rosary (4:00 pm in winter) 6:00 pm - Holy Mass Sundays and Feasts : Holy Mass at 8:00, 11:00, 6:00 pm (5:00 pm in winter) Saturdays : Holy Mass at 6:00 pm (5:00 pm in winter)
How To Get There
Fossanova lies half way between Rome and Naples, only 15 minutes from the seaside resorts of Sabaudia, Terracina and San Felice Circeo. From Rome take either route SS 7 Appia or route SS 148 Pontina or Motorway A1 (Rome - Naples) to exit Frosinone, then route SS 156 Monti Lepini to Latina. Go along the route for a few kilometres, then take the Terracina expressway to exit Sonnino Scalo, turn right and the imposing view of Fossanova and its wonderful abbey will appear!
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