The World's 40 Most Religious Colleges

22. Sant’Anselmo – Rome, Italy

Perched atop Rome’s Aventine Hill, Sant’Anselmo is a prestigious Benedictine university and international monastic community dedicated to theological scholarship. Established in 1887, this institution has long been a center for academic excellence, attracting students from around the world who seek to immerse themselves in the study of Catholic theology, philosophy, and liturgical traditions. As the academic heart of the Benedictine Order, Sant’Anselmo serves as a place where monastic spirituality and rigorous intellectual inquiry meet, providing an education deeply rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church. The university specializes in theological studies, with a particular focus on monastic spirituality, sacred liturgy, and biblical scholarship. Sant’Anselmo’s faculty consists of leading scholars and theologians, many of whom are members of the Benedictine Order. Students engage in profound discussions on topics such as the historical development of Christian monasticism, the theology of St. Benedict, and the role of liturgy in spiritual formation. The school’s academic programs are designed to deepen students' understanding of Catholic tradition while also preparing them for roles in church leadership, education, and pastoral ministry.