Monastero di Camaldoli
Camaldoli Monastery is located in Tuscany, in a pristine mountain setting, about 70 km from Florence and 40 km from Arezzo, on the slopes of the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines.
The monastery has a large monastic guest house that welcomes people seeking to experience a spiritual retreat, personal time of silence, or participation in activities offered by the community.
Retreats organized by the community
History of Camaldoli Monastery
The monastic complex of Camaldoli, comprising the Hermitage and the Monastery, was founded in the early 11th century by Saint Romuald, a native of Ravenna.
To the first hermits, Saint Romuald gave a very simple rule: silence, fasting, and life in the cell. The monastery, located lower down, received the Rule of Saint Benedict, in order to prepare novices for a more demanding life of solitude.
The monastery was built to support the hermitage, located about 3 km away. It was formerly known as Fontebuono, referring to the spring that supplied the complex with water.
From the beginning, according to Saint Romuald's wishes, spaces for welcoming pilgrims and guests were provided. This spirit of hospitality continues to animate the Guest House today, located in the former buildings of the monastic hospice.
The Camaldolese order yesterday and today
The Camaldolese Order traces its origins to the early 11th century with Saint Romuald of Ravenna, who sought to unite the richness of the eremitical life with that of the cenobitic life according to the Rule of Saint Benedict. This original insight gave birth to a unique form of monastic life, alternating solitude, silence, and fraternal life.
Today, the Camaldolese continue this tradition through a life of prayer, work, and hospitality, offering places conducive to contemplation, spiritual discernment, and encounter, faithful to a thousand-year heritage while remaining attentive to the spiritual needs of our time.
What to expect during your stay
Types of spiritual retreats offered
The monastery regularly organizes Christian spiritual retreats:
- One-day retreats during key times of the liturgical year (Advent, Christmas, beginning of Lent, Easter Triduum, etc.)
- Courses and spiritual sessions in summer (mid-June to mid-September), on biblical, theological, or spiritual themes
- Personalized spiritual retreats, accompanied by monks from the community
A detailed annual program is published each year.
It is also possible to stay freely, without a program, and to request a meeting with a monk.
Community prayer times are always open to guests.
Welcome and accommodation
The monastery's guest house has 69 rooms, for a total of 154 beds.
The rooms are single or multi-bed, all equipped with private bathrooms, with sheets and towels provided (toiletries are not provided).
Meeting rooms of various sizes are available, equipped with sound systems and video projectors. Free Wi-Fi is accessible in certain common areas, but not in the rooms, to preserve the atmosphere of silence.
A chapel is available to guests for personal prayer or celebrations for small groups.
The large monastery church, directly accessible from the guest house, hosts community prayer times.
The guest house restaurant offers:
- full board
- accommodation for special diets (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.)
Meal times:
- Breakfast: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- Lunch: 1:00 PM
- Dinner: 7:30 PM
The guest house also includes a bar and a bookstore specializing in Christian spirituality and monastic tradition.
Geography and activities
A setting of beauty and harmony
The monastery is located on the Tuscan slope of the Apennines, in the heart of the Casentino, the upper valley of the Arno River, and surrounded by the ancient Camaldoli forest, rich in white firs, protected by the Casentine Forests National Park.
Nearby:
- Bibbiena and Poppi (15 km)
- the Romanesque Pieve of Romena
- the famous Sanctuary of La Verna (35 km).
An ideal natural setting
About 1 hour's walk (3 km) through the forest leads to the Sacro Eremo of Camaldoli, where you can visit:
- the baroque church
- the cell of Saint Romuald
- the ancient Library (by prior request).
This natural setting is ideal for silence, contemplation, and meditation.
Practical information
Discover more locations
