Campbell, Elizabeth (1783 – 1861) – Italy; Lazio, ‘The Trappist Convent of Casamara & Portal of the Roman States.

EXTRACT FROM THE ARTIST'S JOURNAL: After some distance we came to a more open plain, African like country & saw before us the Trappist Convent of Casamari, which is also the Pope's boundary or Porta, tho' not a guard was near it, nor are passports asked for. There are many remains of Roman buildings here, especially the Aqueduct which crosses the road & several other gateways. Gothic architecture is here also in great purity; a single pillar whose branches supported an immense roof attracted great admiration from Walpole & 70 feet, we were not allowed to see it. One of the Monks appointed to receive Strangers & always a lay brother is thus directed, shewed us the Church, a fine building with Gothic arches & 3 Pillars divided into their wishes, the upper part forming the Cross. The Pillars at the entrance had many of the round Saxon or Roman arches built into the walls & there were evident proofs of the frequent changes of the buildings from their original purposes. The Abbot's Chamber was in the highest and most agreeable part of the building, with balconies & great window shutters, did not look like the residence of a severe Monk of La Trappe. We were shewn the neat little Garden where the Monks are buried, but in which there were 94 planted cypress & roses. From some alive, I could distinguish one of the Trees was planted toward those Monks said to have been committed by the French, & that several of their order had been butchered on the spot. 11th April