Casamari Abbey, located in the municipality of Veroli in the province of Frosinone, is an important Italian Cistercian monastery dating back to the early 13th century. Built in 1203 and consecrated in 1217, the abbey stands on the ruins of the ancient Roman municipality of Cereatae, dedicated to the goddess Ceres. The name “Casamari” comes from Latin and means “House of Marius,” referring to the homeland of Gaius Marius, the famous leader and seven-time consul of Rome. The history of the abbey has been marked by various periods of prosperity and decline, reflecting the political and social fluctuations of the region.
Architecturally, Casamari Abbey is a remarkable example of a Cistercian monastic structure. The layout of the monastery follows the typical design of French monasteries, with a central garden and a quadrangular cloister. The church has a basilica plan with three naves and a large portico on the facade. In 1957, Pope Pius XII elevated the abbey church to the dignity of a minor basilica. Over the centuries, the abbey has played a crucial role not only in spiritual life but also in educational and cultural life, with a pharmacy, a liquor store, a printing press and an archaeological museum among its many activities. The abbey’s library, founded in 1036, houses some 80,000 volumes and is one of Italy’s state public libraries, distinguishing itself as an important documentation and study center.
- Address
SP278 Casamari, Frosinone, Italy - Web
https://www.abbaziadicasamari.it/ - Visiting Hours
Every day from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. - What to see
Library
