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Sant' Anselmo all'Aventino
English name:	St Anselm at the Aventine
Dedication:	Anselm of Canterbury
Denomination:	Roman Catholic
Type:	Monastic church
Titular church	Paul Augustin Mayer
Built:	1900
Architect(s):
Artists:
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Sant' Anselmo all'Aventino is a church connected to a monastery and a college. It's dedicated to Anselm of Canterbury.

[edit] History

The church and monastery was designed by Hildebrand de Hemptinne and Fidelis von Stotzingen, and built in 1900. The International College of Sant' Anselmo is located here, as is the seat of the Abbot Primate of the Federation of 'Black Monks'. This includes all monks under the Rule of St Benedict except the Cistercians and the Trappists.

The present titular of the church is Paul Augustin Mayer, pro hac vice presbyterial titular.

Men may visit the monastery, and it is possible to ask for a guided tour from a student - they will certainly have some english-speaking students, and it may also be possible to get a tour in other languages. There is no charge, but please offer a donation if you are able to.

[edit] Exterior

In the atrium, there is a bronze statue of St Anselm, made in the late of the 20th century. From here, it is possible to see Santa Maria del Priorato, which lies in a complex that is closed to the public.

In the entrance to the monastery, reached from the atrium, is a Roman mosaic of Orpheus that was found when the college was built.

[edit] Interior

The church has a basilical plan.

The mosaics are in an uncommon style, with only the figures in mosaic and no background - whether or not this is a good thing is a matter of personal tastes. The paschal candlestick is in the Cosmatesque style, but it is a modern reproduction.

The crypt can be visited; it is accessed through a door by the altar of the Blessed Sacrament. Behind the altar is a statue of St Benedict, with his arms raised in prayer - the posture in which he died.