A Thai Forest monastery in the Sabine hills about 50 km from Rome.
Visitor reviews · Questions and answers
The place
Santacittarama, "the garden of the serene heart", says on its site that it is the first monastery of the Theravada tradition in Italy, founded in 1990. It lies about 50 km from Rome in the Sabine hills, in the municipality of Poggio Nativo, province of Rieti. The association was recognised as a religious body in 1995 and is a member of the Italian Buddhist Union.
The resident monks follow the tradition of the Thai forest teacher Ajahn Chah (1918-1992). The site traces the lineage to Ajahn Sumedho, who in 1977 arrived in England with three other Western monks; the order now has monasteries in several countries.
What it offers
- Teachings and a programme for November to March 2027, per the site's notices.
- Retreats in 2026 led by visiting teachers in Sardinia, Biella, Garda and Piacenza.
- Video talks and Dhamma question-and-answer sessions.
- Offerings: the Sangha relies on lay generosity (dana), so the site lists items the monastery needs.
Before you go
- The site is mainly in Italian; read what Theravada is and Theravada monasteries first.
- Read temple etiquette.
- Check the current programme on the monastery's own site.
Been there? Add your own review on the place page. · All place guides