Cistercian monks from Nydala monastery in Smaland founded Roma Kloster in 1164. The monastery was built on the pattern of the French mother monastery and became a religious center for the entire Baltic region. The three-aisle church in he Fontenay style was completed in the thirteenth century. The monastery was abandoned during the Reformation in 1530 and ended up in the ownership of the Danish crown as a royal manor under Visborg Castle.

When Gotland came under Swedish rule in 1645, the monastery was practically in ruins. The county governor used materials from the site to build his residence, Roma Kungsgard, in 1733. only the church remained intact, and that was used as a stable. In 1822, Roma Kungsgard was rented to the crown and served as an army store.

The ruins of Roma monastery are a popular tourist attraction. Even today they bear witness to the monks’ skill in construction techniques. The beautiful vaulted ceilings are reminiscent of Roman aqueducts.