The Convent of St. Sylvester in Monte Compatri was founded in 1605 and took its name from Pope St. Sylvester I who was greatly venerated in this area.
The Franciscans were the first order to establish a community at the foot of the hill. Already property of the Regulated Orders and the Apostolic Seat, the convent passed to Don Tommaso Avallos who later donated it to the Discalced Carmelitan Fathers.
The convent was inhabited by various saints including Father John of Jesus Mary whose undecayed remains are held in a chapel inside the church and is particularly interesting for its Pinacoteca (gallery) which includes works by G. Domenico Cerrini and Vignola.
The present church, also dedicated to Pope St. Sylvester I, was built in 1660. The façade was added in 1854, commissioned by Cardinal Mattei, from stone from the nearby Monte Salomone. It is medium sized, very graceful and harmonious and embellished with the massive presence of paintings by F. Luca di S. Carlo, who is today recognised as a great artistic talent.
There were originally three altars, then a small, graceful altar in honour of Our Lady of Carmel was added and in 1926 a great chapel dedicated to St. Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face to commemorate her canonization.