Dec 18, 2024

Sant'Anselmo Rome

Gregorian chant on the Aventine

""Sant’Anselmo" in Rome is definitely worth a visit - especially on a Sunday at 19:15, when the Benedictine monks perform half an hour of Gregorian chants."

Sant’Anselmo may not be as old or as beautiful as some of the other churches on the Aventine Hill, such as the 5th century Santa Sabina, but it’s definitely worth a visit - especially on a Sunday at 19:15. This is when the Benedictine monks living in the adjoining monastery enter the church in a seemingly endless line – at least 60 of them – and perform half an hour of Gregorian chant.

Gregorian chant has been around for centuries, and when you listen to the monks in Sant’Anselmo it certainly feels like you’re being transported back in time. It’s a solemn but peaceful ritual which tends to put me in an almost meditative state. Regardless of your religious beliefs, you can sit in the church for half an hour, listening to the monks singing and breathing in the scent of the incense. It’s a break from normality and a relaxing way to end the week.

And, just like the rest of the Aventine Hill, there’s something mysterious about Sant’Anselmo. Rome is not like other cities, and the Aventine is not like the rest of Rome – it’s a world of its own.

002-building
Art & culture
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

About this spot

Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta 5

free

0657911

Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Rome guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Rome

Mercato-fonte-Egeria

Mercato fonte Egeria – Take back your vegetables

The market next to the Egeria water plant in Rome, or the "Mercato fonte Egeria", is an opportunity to meet regional farmers and buy fresh local produce!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Max

Giudice

Feb 4, 2025
Pizzeria-Ostiense

Pizzeria Ostiense – Roman vibes on pizza

"Pizzeria Ostiense" in Rome makes typical pizza that has Romans come in droves! What's also good here are the 'fritti', which deserve a special mention...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Max

Giudice

Feb 4, 2025
Pasticceria-Regoli

Pasticceria Regoli – A Roman breakfast

"Pasticceria Regoli" is the real deal in Rome. Open for generations, come here to get one of their delicious flagship maritozzi...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Max

Giudice

Feb 4, 2025
Villa-Latina

Villa Latina – Fresh breeze, pines and Roman tombs

"Villa Latina" is not the best known of Rome's parks, but it's along an ancient road where you feel time never passed & ancient Romans are still around...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Max

Giudice

Feb 4, 2025
Parco-di-Tor-Fiscale

Parco di Tor Fiscale – Aqueducts and the sky

"Parco di Tor Fiscale" in Rome is a hidden treasure. It combines nature and views of mountains with aqueducts and is a journey for the mind & soul...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Max

Giudice

Feb 4, 2025
Coppede-Neighborhood

Coppedè Neighborhood – Architecture and symbols

The magical neighborhood of "Coppedè" is entirely different from the rest of Rome - go visit it and you'll know what I mean...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Max

Giudice

Feb 4, 2025
S.-Maria-della-Vittoria

S. Maria della Vittoria – A theater in a church

Up for dramas, love, emotions, or -  why not - theatre? Well, then the church of "S. Maria della Vittoria" in Rome is your place.

002-building
Art & culture

By

Max

Giudice

Feb 4, 2025
Monte-Mario

Monte Mario – The king of Rome

"Monte Mario" in Rome and its amazing views is the kind of place I always come back to when I need to clear my mind...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Max

Giudice

Feb 4, 2025
Gianicolo

Gianicolo – An explosive sunset

"Gianicolo" is a hill in Rome where you get the most amazing sunset views. Come here to chill with a friend - and see the canon fire every day at noon!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Max

Giudice

Feb 4, 2025
Palazzo-Venezia-Garden

Palazzo Venezia Garden – A secret oasis

I come to the "Palazzo Venezia Garden" whenever I want to forget that I even am in Rome. It's perfect even for taking naps in the midst of it all...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Max

Giudice

Feb 4, 2025
Stadio-dei-Marmi

Stadio dei Marmi – Your temple of sport

"Stadio dei Marmi" in Rome is a stadium where anyone can come to train for free, but the atmosphere is so chill, it's also great for reading your book...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Max

Giudice

Feb 4, 2025
Tram-Depot

Tram Depot – Retro coffee stop

"Tram Depot" in Rome feels like a shady oasis. This tiny bar is designed to resemble an old-fashioned tram depot with a vintage theme throughout...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

By

Alexandra

Turney

Feb 4, 2025

Heading to Rome?

152 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Just €9.99

Heading to Rome?

152 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

Our team loves Rome

Get to know our other Spotters from Rome

As featured on: