The Cistercian monastery of S. Martino al Monte in the 13th century through papal documents: first considerations on the relations with the Roman curia

Abstract

This essay aims to reconstruct the history of the Cistercian monastery of S. Martino al Monte, located near Viterbo (Lazio), and focuses on its relations with the papacy and the papal curia during the 13th century. The analysis of the monastery’s documentation, especially papal records, has revealed that the first half of the century was a fruitful time for the Cistercian community. The monastery strengthened its relations with the Roman curia thanks to the personality of some eminent abbots who were involved in the workings of the curia, and to the support of some cardinals who promoted the Cistercian coenobium, subsidized its building renovation, and sponsored the abbey's interests in the curia. The monastery also enlarged its patrimonial endowment and reorganized its administrative and accounting system to improve the management of its possessions.