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Stargazing in Spain: 5 Monastery Stays for Starry Nights

Discover five of Spain's most tranquil monasteries set beneath some of Europe's clearest night skies. From the UNESCO Starlight Reserve of Montsec to Andalusia’s remote Sierra Norte, these sacred retreats offer peaceful stays...

2025 Travel Trend: Italy's Cenobitic Monasteries

Thanks to National Geographic’s ‘25 best places to travel to in 2025’ list, we have seen a spike in interest in Cenobitic Monasteries in Italy, and rightly so! These are some of the most beautiful buildings and communities in...

Monastic Gardens: Cultivating the Soul Through the Centuries

Since the dawn of monasticism in the 6th century, gardens have been an integral part of monastic life. Far more than simple plots to grow food, these sacred spaces have nourished both body and soul for countless monks, nuns,...

Following in a Saint’s Footsteps on the Way of Saint Francis

Saint Francis of Assisi is one of Christianity’s most beloved saints, and a figure of considerable contemporary relevance for his commitment to humility, nature and peace. The latter are in abundance along the pilgrimage rout...

Monastic Retreats: Authentic Tours and Stays in Monasteries

With each stay booked through Monasteries.com, you are being welcomed into a new community and invited to share in new experiences. Often, these communities follow the deep-rooted tradition of hospitality where the monks and...

6 Secluded Monasteries You Have to Visit in Italy

For travellers seeking to explore beyond the usual tourist destinations, this guide to secluded monasteries in Italy showcases some lesser-known yet remarkable sites. From the shores of Lake Garda to the olive groves and vine...

Craft & Contemplation: Products Made in Monasteries

Picture, for a moment, a medieval monastery. What probably comes to mind is an image of peace, serenity, and a simple, secluded existence devoted to prayer and contemplation. But in cenobitic monasticism, where monks and...

Visit Venice on a Budget: Insider Tips for Savvy Travellers

Known famously as the “Floating City”, Venice has always been a city of merchants. From the banks of its canals and mudflats stretched a sprawling empire whose territory spanned from Cyprus in the south right up to the Dolomi...

Budget Accommodation in Florence: Where to Stay & What to Do

As one of Italy’s ‘big three’ artistic cities, alongside Rome and Venice, Florence deserves its spot on every Italian itinerary. But rising accommodation prices make staying there expensive. Most hotels will set you back on a...