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Monastero Maria di Magdala

The Monastero Maria di Magdala, a Dominican monastery, is located in the Marche region, in Macerata (Via Rocco Chinnici, 3), between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennines. It is a place of peace, ideal for individual or group retreats (for young people, women, and men), offering times of Eucharistic adoration and guidance along the path of faith.

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Monastero Maria di Magdala

The monastery and the community

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A place to encounter God

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After spending centuries at the heart of the medieval city of Macerata, the community moved in 2005 to a new monastery on the outskirts, set within a more open and verdant environment.

The building, contemporary in style, preserves the traditional elements of monastic life:

  • a cloister, with a well at its center,
  • a church, where the Blessed Sacrament is exposed each day for the adoration of the faithful.

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The community sees itself as a humble "open harbor," welcoming those who knock at the monastery door.

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A community in communion

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The current monastery was born in 2023 from the union of two Dominican monastic communities.

The twelve nuns who make up the community today have chosen to form "one heart and one soul in God," living together in deep fraternal communion, a sign of God's love for all.

Animated by the same zeal as Saint Dominic, burning with desire for the salvation of humanity, they consecrate their entire lives to God.

They carry in their intercessory prayer:

  • the needs,
  • the sufferings,
  • the hopes of the men and women of our time.

Thus, on the edge of the city, one finds a place of:

where one can share the contemplative experience in the joy of fraternity.

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The sisters lead a fraternal life under the Italian sun!

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What awaits you during your stay

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Welcome and spiritual life

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The welcome is monastic in nature:

  • reserved for those with spiritual motivations,
  • with participation requested in certain liturgical offices.

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There are currently no structured retreats offered, but the nuns can propose, upon request:

  • meditations on the Word of God,
  • spiritual teachings,
  • times of listening,
  • spiritual guidance.

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The community offers a space to:

  • recollect oneself,
  • find inner rest,
  • rediscover God and rediscover oneself.

No particular work is generally required, but a simple contribution to the upkeep of the premises (kitchen, shared spaces) is expected.

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The monastery cloister, where the sisters can pray and meditate each day.

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Monastic guest house

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The guest house (foresteria) includes:

  • 5 single rooms,
  • 1 room with 7 beds (including 2 bunk beds),
  • all with private bathroom.

Meals are served according to the rhythm of monastic life, prepared by the community.

A fully equipped kitchen also allows for self-catering, particularly for groups.

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A large lounge is available for:

  • gatherings,
  • teachings,
  • activities.

Guests can also enjoy a garden adjoining the guest house.

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The guest house garden, just waiting for you!

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Book your retreat

Geography and activities

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Surroundings and nearby area

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The city of Macerata is situated halfway between the sea and the mountains.

  • The nearest access to the sea is at Civitanova Marche.
  • To the north lies Monte Conero, with its cliffs dropping into the sea, its coves and caves.
  • Inland stretch the Monti Sibillini, at the heart of the Apennines.

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The region is rich in:

  • gently rolling hills,
  • medieval villages,
  • ancient abbeys,
  • cultural and spiritual sites.

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Italy and its lush countryside welcome you with open arms!

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Nearby places

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Near the monastery you will find:

  • the sanctuary of Loreto (27 km)
  • the Abbazia di Fiastra and its nature reserve (13 km)
  • Assisi (about 1 hour 20 minutes)
  • Appignano (15 km), known for its ceramics
  • Cingoli
  • Recanati, hometown of the poet Giacomo Leopardi

On foot, one can easily reach the historic center of Macerata, with the Sferisterio di Macerata and the civic museums.