Abbey of San Pastore
Description
The Abbey of San Pastore is a partly ruined former Cistercian monastery in the province of Rieti, located between Contigliano and Greccio. It lies along major pilgrimage routes, including the Path of Francis, the Via Benedicti, and the Templar Trail.
The abbey began as San Matteo de Monticulo, founded in 1137 by monks sent from Clairvaux. Because the original site became unhealthy due to flooding in the Piana Reatina, the community moved to San Pastore in 1234. Construction of the new abbey began in 1255 and the church was completed in 1264. For a time it was wealthy and influential, supporting local infrastructure.
From the 14th century onward, decline set in due to poor governance and morality among the monks. In 1426 it was given in commendam, and over the following centuries the Cistercians left, the Lateran Canons took over, and the abbey’s properties were gradually divided, sold, or abandoned. By the 19th century the complex had fallen into severe ruin and was repeatedly looted.
Partial repairs were attempted in the early 1900s, but true restoration began only after the abbey was bought by entrepreneur Antonio Antonacci in the 1980s. Most structural restoration was completed after 1988. Today the abbey hosts events, exhibitions, and concerts, with suites being prepared for hospitality use.
Situated on the western edge of the Piana Reatina, the abbey is organized around a cloister and includes the church, chapter house, sacristy, parlors, and the former abbot’s residence. Though many decorations were lost, the building preserves features typical of early Cistercian architecture—pointed barrel vaults, round arches, and simple rib vaults.