Away from the crowds of Florence and the busy hilltop villages, and on the edge of Tuscany’s Casentino Forest and National Park, the newly renovated hospitality house of the Daughters of Divine Zeal overlooks the woodlands and rolling hills of the Arezzo region. Tourists and pilgrims are welcome to overnight in the spacious guesthouse, and savor the history and the beauty of this UNESCO listed area, where nature and religion unite.
The Casentino Valley is marked by past spiritual events and is an important religious destination in Tuscany. Great monasteries were established in the forest by monks seeking peace and isolation.
The Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Sasso in Bibbiena is a pilgrimage destination, to a church which was constructed over the the site of a reported appearance of the Virgin Mary, in the 14th century. The sanctuary is cared for by Dominican Fathers. Saint Francis of Assisi received his stigmata at the Franciscan Monastery of La Verna (30 km from Borgo alla Collina) and the Casa Oasi Sant'Annibale Maria is located between the medieval Abbey of Vallombrosa (20 km) and the Monastery and Hermitage of Camaldoli (19 km). Both monasteries were established in the 11th century and are hidden religious treasures, tucked away in the midst of a thick forest of chestnut and silver fir trees. The monasteries are renowned for their collections of sacred art and for concert performances of sacred and classical music.
Astronomer Galileo Galilee was educated at the Monastery of Vallombrosa.
| Room types | Prices per room from* | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Single with private bathroom | EUR 50.00 | Inc. breakfast |
| Twin beds with private bathroom | EUR 100.00 | Inc. breakfast |
| Triple with private bathroom | EUR 140.00 | Inc. breakfast |
| Multi-beds with private bathroom | EUR 150.00 | Inc. breakfast |
Monastery accommodation for tourists and pilgrims.
An invaluable online booking platform for modern-day travelers, pilgrims and groups and a guide to alternative accommodation in convents, monasteries, abbeys, religious guest houses, retreat centres and Christian hotels around the world.
