Two months after arriving to Rome, I was invited to visit the Abbey of the Three Fountains. Even though I was unaware of its religious and historical significance, I felt so much peace when I arrived. This site, located a few miles south of downtown Rome, quickly became my favorite place in the city. I would visit it often to find peaceful silence away from the city and to pray.
This is the entrance to the Abbey from the Via Laurentina. A statue of Saint Benedict stands at the end of the path with the opening words of his rule of life: Ausculta O fili obedentia sine mora ora et labora.
The Arch of Charlemagne marks the entrance to the Abbey. Emperor Charlemagne stayed here for safety away from the city in the year 800 when he was crowned Holy Roman Emperor by the Pope.
Christians have venerated this location since the year 67 when Saint Paul was beheaded at this site. His body was transferred to the nearby cemetery of the Via Ostiense where the Basilica of Saint Paul stands today. The baroque Church of Saint Paul stands today on the spot where Saint Paul was martyred. Tradition states Saint Paul’s head bounced three times as it rolled down a gentle slope and a fountain of water emerged at each bounce, hence the name of the abbey.
It is believed Saint Paul placed his head on this column to be beheaded.
The Abbey Church of Saints Vincent and Anastasius was completed in the 13th century as is currently run by Cistercian Monks.
Interior of the Monastery Church
All these pictures are mine, all rights reserved
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