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The Transformative Experience of Monastery Retreats

Monastery stays offer a rare opportunity to take a break from the demands of daily life and experience full immersion in an introspective environment of solitude and simplicity. For retreatants, monasteries serve as sanctuari...

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 Life: Blending Prayer, Craft & Cultivation

The bells pierce the pre-dawn silence, their ancient tones echoing across stone walls and peaceful gardens. Inside the monastery, dark-robed figures move silently through candlelit corridors, gathering for the first prayers o...

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...