(map) Collepardo, Lazio
Monastic life was started at Trisulti, situated at the foot of Mt. Rotonario, by St.Dominic of Foligno, a great reformer and founder of Benedictine abbeys in southern Latium. In the year 1000, he built a magnificent monastery, most of which still stands.
After two centuries of Benedictine life, Pope Innocent III decreed in 1204 that the abbey and its possessions should pass to the Carthusians, who sent four lay 
brothers there with the task of building a new monastery suitable for their type of monastic life and safe from falling rock. Even today, wire webbing covers cliffs on the side of the road leading to the monastery. In 1211, a new church was consecrated and dedicated to the apostle St. Bartholomew, again by Pope Innocent III.
Since 1947 the monastery has been looked after by the Cistercians of Casamari who carry on their lives interwoven with work and prayer. 
The small group of six monks has given new life to the buildings and grounds, welcoming tourists daily.
On our visit, Don Claudio joyously showed us around. His stories behind the spectacular buildings, paintings and frescoes made the one-hour tour seem like ten minutes. If you have only one monastery on your list to visit, make it this one.
-- Written by Evanne Brandon Diner (see bio), chronicler of local village life in Northern Lazio, and central Italy property restoration and purchasing consultant (www.lavventuraitalia.com)
November 9th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
What a wonderful new feature that allows those beautiful photos to blow up before our eyes. Really makes the Notes come alive even more! Thanks………
November 9th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
I particularly love the old-time pharmacy “museum” at Trisulti with it’s old jars of “deer horns”, etc. We often buy a monk-made liquor before exiting the grounds. My son likes the huge sundial on the side of one of the buildings…it seems most accurate! An enjoyable visit on a sunny day…bring a picnic and eat it in the forest near the parking lot.
November 9th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Sumptuous photos! Love the green/blue of the pool…
November 9th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
absolutely beautiful!! thank you!
November 9th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Wow, breathtaking! Thank you for sharing! I miss Italy…your pictures and stories keep me connected!
November 9th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
THANKS FOR ADDING THE ENLARGING FEATURE TO THE PICTURES. IT REALLY
GIVES A BETTER PERSPECTIVE TO THE NOTES, AS THERE IS A BETTER VISUALIZATION WITH THE ENLARGEMENTS…………THANKS, AGAIN
November 10th, 2009 at 2:08 am
I love this wonderful location, it always makes me happy.
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:16 pm
There’s also the hidden side of Trisulti with its hidden symbolism and connections to the Templars…