Italy's oldest Cistercian abbey stands, in keeping with tradition, in a secluded site to the south of Rome. The abbey church, begun in 1163, served as a model for many Italian churches. Consecrated in 1208, the church is in the Burgundian style, although many decorative details recall the Lombard tradition and even the Moorish style. The cloister is also well worth a visit. St Thomas Aquinas died in the guest house here in 1724.