Roma Abbey

In 1164, the Abbey of Sancta Maria de Gutnalia in Roma was founded by Cistercian monks who came from Nydala Abbey in Småland. It quickly grew into an influential center with extensive landholdings on Gotland and in the Baltic region. The complex followed the typical Burgundian Cistercian layout, with the church in the north forming the dominant part of the rectangular cloister. During the Reformation in the 1530s, the abbey was confiscated by the Danish Crown and converted into a royal domain. As the old monastic buildings were unsuitable for their new purposes, they fell into disrepair. However, the church was used as a stable and thus partially preserved. In the 18th century, specifically in the 1730s, Governor J. D. Grönhagen had further parts demolished to obtain stones for the construction of a new manor house and its wings.

The Roma Abbey Ruin is located on the island of Gotland in Sweden, approximately 36 meters above sea level.

Today, the ruin of the Roma Abbey Church is accessible to visitors. It is the only major remnant of the former monastic complex and, despite its condition, provides a good impression of Cistercian architecture.

• Visby City Wall (fortification), approx. 16.7 km away
• Visby Cathedral (sacred building), approx. 17.0 km away
• Gränsö Castle (castle), approx. 109.5 km away
• Borgholm Castle Ruin (castle), approx. 131.2 km away