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Monastery of the Hermit Poor Clares: a medieval castle and a secret kept by the nuns
In Fara in Sabina, not far from Rieti, an ancient medieval castle is home to the Monastery of the Hermit Poor Clares (Clarisse Eremite). This place is a centre of spiritual life, but also a historic complex that has had ties for centuries with the Abbey of Farfa. Today, the nuns offer unique guided tours, unveiling a centuries-old history and a surprising secret: the presence of seventeen incorrupt bodies of 18th-century fellow sisters.
From fortress to cloister
Its history is a turbulent one. Destroyed and rebuilt several times, the castle passed through the hands of powerful families such as the Orsini and the Farnese (not to mention Savelli, Colonna and others). Then came the turning point. It was Cardinal Francesco Barberini who, in 1673, transformed the fortress into a cloistered convent for the Poor Clares, adding a surrounding wall that still protects the structure today. A place of war turned into a place of prayer.
A guided tour like no other
Today, a visit here is a truly special experience. Two of the sisters personally guide visitors through the historic rooms: the 15th-century kitchen, the 17th-century choir, and finally the room housing the seventeen incorrupt bodies of nuns from the late 18th century, perfectly preserved. The tour concludes in the modern Museum of Silence, inaugurated in 2004 - an innovative sensory experience built around the interplay of darkness and light.
Practical Information
Visits and hospitality: Guided tours can be booked, and guests may stay in the guest house. The community also produces handcrafted goods.
Contact: Email: clarisse.farasabina@libero.it | Phone: 0765 277021 / 334 1732880
Website: www.clarisseremite.com
