SPIRITUAL STAYS
Monastery stays offer a unique opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in a serene and contemplative environment. Whether you seek spiritual guidance, a break from the digital world, or simply a peaceful retreat, monasteries provide an ideal setting for personal reflection and rejuvenation.
What makes lodging at a monastery unique?
Few places can compare to the pleasant hospitality, quiet, and tranquillity provided for a peaceful getaway. The ideal private haven from the strains of contemporary life.
Furthermore, despite the fact that certain homes may not have all the amenities of the modern era (while others have been renovated into full-fledged hotels), the properties' historical, cultural, and spiritual significance is unparalleled. Large halls, common areas for dining and socialising, rooftop patios, and gorgeous on-site chapels are features of many estates. The structure is filled with artefacts and artwork, including paintings and sculptures. Because of their rich history and legacy, certain monasteries are comparable to living museums. These buildings date back many centuries.
Many monasteries include walled or courtyard gardens, which add to the special atmosphere that is only possible in structures with the grandeur and history of monasteries. These gardens offer a peaceful haven in the middle of the busy tourist cities.
Additionally, affordable accommodations in the heart of some of Europe's most popular cities can be found at the Abbeys, Convents, and Monasteries listed on Monasteries.com, with prices as low as €40 per night. For instance, the Casa Il Rosario in Rome offers ensuite double rooms starting at about €50 per night and is located directly across from the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, and the Trevi Fountain.
Advice for Women
Suggestions for female guests staying in guest houses run by monasteries and convents:
While attire is not a major concern, it is advisable to respect your host by wearing modest clothing when visiting their home.
Convent guest house hosts, or nuns, are resilient women who have frequently served in less wholesome locations than the specific convent—in other parts of Italy, the world, and occasionally unstable areas.
During your visit, don't be scared to interact with the nuns or monks as they will likely want to speak with you as well. Most of the time, someone on site will speak English.
While dining out is customary when visiting Italy, ask your hosts where to find the most authentic Italian cuisine; they will always tell you "where the locals eat." It's a delightful experience with lots of nice surprises. Talk to the locals; someone with some English skills will be able to offer an unbiased, truthful recommendation.
Inquire with your nun or monk host at reception about transportation to nearby attractions. Since they take public transportation, they can provide you with accurate advice and have maps available to help with directions. Purchase a high-quality map of the region you are visiting to utilise in these kinds of conversations.
If you have any questions regarding safety, ask nuns and monks. They are knowledgeable about locations, routes, kinds of transportation, and times to follow or avoid.
Do I need to know anything about religion to stay in a monastery?
After a long day of religious pilgrimages or pilgrim walks, there's nowhere better to rest your head than here. Embracing the community of people who have similar faiths and views might result in the most memorable vacation experiences.
While there are no restrictions on visitors' religious affiliation or deep-rooted convictions, monasteries welcome people of all faiths. However, if you want to get the most out of your visit, you should embrace the way of life that these unique structures provide.
How to book?
Make use of a specialised website like Monasteries.com. This website is made to make it as easy as possible for guests to stay at any of the monasteries or convents that are featured on it. It is obvious that both the experience of making reservations and actually staying at a monastery or convent differ from that of visiting one elsewhere.