Roma Abbey

Site of a medieval Cistercian monastery

The royal estate of Roma is in the heart of Gotland. The manor house was built in the 1730s, but the site's roots reach back to the Middle Ages. In the 12th century, it was the site of the Allting, Gotland's legal and social forum. A Cistercian monastery was also established here. The only surviving building - albeit a ruin - is the abbey.

The abbey is on a monumental scale, built from large, neatly cut stones. The building comprises a nave with three aisles. In the west face of the north aisle there is a well-preserved doorway, which became a model for church doorways across Gotland, showing the Cistercian influence on the island's ecclesiastical architecture. The Cistercians were self-sufficient and lived on the fruits of the land.

From monastery to manor

Following the Reformation in Denmark, around 1531, the abbey buildings were designated as the seat of the King's lieutenant. The buildings that no longer served any purpose fell into disrepair. Following the Treaty of Brömsebro in 1645, Roma became a Swedish Crown estate, and in the late 17th century it was leased out. An inspection report from 1710 stated that some of the former monastic buildings had found new uses as barns for storing grain and fodder.

County governor builds residence

When Johan Didrik Grönhage took up the post of county governor, he had a residence built on the estate - the present building in stuccoed limestone, dating from 1733. The building materials were taken from the walls and buildings of the monastery. Beautiful medieval doorways were clumsily incorporated into the stuccoed walls. The design was based on mainland residences, breaking completely with Gotland's architectural tradition. A stately building with two wings was constructed. The present mansard roof was added in a 1789 renovation. At the same time, the house was painted yellow, which was later replaced with the present whitewash. The estate served as the county governor's residence until 1822.

During WWII, Roma was the site of a military airfield. Subsequently, until 1992, the armed forces used the estate as a depot.

The site now offers plenty of interest to visitors. The manor house features an exhibition on the Cistercians at Roma, and in summer the abbey is the setting for open-air theatre.