Santuario della Mentorella
Santuario della Mentorella
4.5
What people are saying
A Wonderful Shrine, Hidden on a Mountain, not far from Rome..
5.0 of 5 bubblesJan 2018
Mentorella is an old monastery approximately forty miles from Rome which houses an ancient medieval carving of the virgin and child. Pilgrims, especially hikers, from throughout Europe visit this shrine administered by the Fathers and Brothers of the Resurrection to pray at, some say, the oldest Marian shrine in Europe. Mentorella is also the traditional site of the conversion of St. Eustachius, a Roman officer who was converted while hunting when he saw an image of Christ crucified between the antlers of a stag. A bus from Rome is probably your best option to get there. It really is off-the-beaten-path so even the buses don't run that often but if you have the time, don't miss it. I almost forgot to tell you about the view from the pinnacle of Mentorella. After you ascend a long winding staircase behind the shrine, you will see a spectacular view of the valley below and the Palestrina Mountains across the valley. While you are up there, don't forget to pull hard on the rope that rings Mentorella's bell, where the inscription reads "If your heart beats like a Christian's, ring this bell." The Resurrection fathers are usually around and will give you a tour of the shrine and the precious art on its walls. The site is free but a donation to the site is always appreciated. Light refreshments available. Please, if you expect a huge commercialized shrine, don't go. If you want an experience that you won't soon forget,do go and spend time just meditating in the church and join the pilgrims in the quiet solemnity of Mentorella.

Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles253 reviews
Excellent
170
Very good
72
Average
11
Poor
0
Terrible
0

Gerald W
Morris, IL21 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2018
Mentorella is an old monastery approximately forty miles from Rome which houses an ancient medieval carving of the virgin and child. Pilgrims, especially hikers, from throughout Europe visit this shrine administered by the Fathers and Brothers of the Resurrection to pray at, some say, the oldest Marian shrine in Europe. Mentorella is also the traditional site of the conversion of St. Eustachius, a Roman officer who was converted while hunting when he saw an image of Christ crucified between the antlers of a stag.
A bus from Rome is probably your best option to get there. It really is off-the-beaten-path so even the buses don't run that often but if you have the time, don't miss it. I almost forgot to tell you about the view from the pinnacle of Mentorella. After you ascend a long winding staircase behind the shrine, you will see a spectacular view of the valley below and the Palestrina Mountains across the valley. While you are up there, don't forget to pull hard on the rope that rings Mentorella's bell, where the inscription reads "If your heart beats like a Christian's, ring this bell."
The Resurrection fathers are usually around and will give you a tour of the shrine and the precious art on its walls. The site is free but a donation to the site is always appreciated. Light refreshments available.
Please, if you expect a huge commercialized shrine, don't go. If you want an experience that you won't soon forget,do go and spend time just meditating in the church and join the pilgrims in the quiet solemnity of Mentorella.

Written November 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Leo K
7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2016
With a Group of People we had the Opportunismus to spend a night at the Santuario. The accomodation was Basic but clean. The padre werde very friendly and offered a rich breakfast in an Incredible Atmosphere.
Written October 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Romanbiker
Rome, Italy948 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2014 • Friends
Pope John Paul II's favourite sanctuary. Stunning view of the Lazio/Abbruzzi mountains. Nice walk to the church and chapel on top of the mountain.
Written October 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cassi M
Chicago, IL4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2017 • Friends
This was the most beautiful place I have ever been. I have a feeling the serenity of the monastery and the peacefulness of the location attributed to that feeling. Words cannot describe how beautiful it really is. Please stay for a while and enjoy it in solitude and silence. You won't regret it.
Written February 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Liztravelsandeats
Haarlem, The Netherlands728 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2019 • Friends
This is an amazing place to visit. The entry is free, the views are gorgeous and the silence is relaxing. I definitely recommend going here.
Written June 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Santuario della Mentorella - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions about Santuario della Mentorella