Monastero di Valserena
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The Valserena Cistercian monastery, located in Tuscany not far from Pisa, is a haven of peace for individual or group retreats centered on prayer, silence, and contemplation. It also offers artisanal products and provides a modern setting in the heart of the Tuscan hills.
Retreats organized by the community
A Cistercian haven of peace in the heart of Tuscany
Nestled in the enchanting landscapes of Tuscany, between the historic province of Pisa and the diocese of Volterra, stands the monastery of Valserena. This sanctuary of peace is home to a vibrant community of around 40 sisters of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance, more commonly known as the Trappistines.
At Valserena, every moment is imbued with the timeless wisdom of the Rule of Saint Benedict, perpetuating a centuries-old monastic tradition rooted in the spiritual heritage of Cîteaux and Saint Bernard. The sisters of Valserena lead a life of deep contemplation, entirely dedicated to prayer and silence, within the monastic enclosure that safeguards the serenity and intimacy of their spiritual journey.
The monastery is not a place turned in on itself. Its welcoming guest house opens wide to receive individuals and groups eager to immerse themselves in monastic prayer and to enjoy a privileged encounter with the community. It is a place of authentic hospitality, where silence becomes a universal language, inviting each person to listen for the voice of God.
Valserena: a modern monastery rooted in tradition
Valserena is the first foundation of the monastery of Notre-Dame de Saint-Joseph de Vitorchiano, not far from Rome, which, from the post-conciliar years onward, gave rise to many communities spread throughout the world.
Construction of the monastery buildings and guest house began in 1967. The architectural lines are simple and modern: among the olive-covered hills, the roof of the church rises like a tent, evoking God's presence in human history. The nuns' property extends over approximately 50 hectares of land, largely covered in woodland.
From the very beginning, an activity was also launched to ensure the community's material sustenance: since 1968, a cosmetics workshop has produced soaps, perfumes, and personal care creams. Extra virgin olive oil and artisanal liqueurs are also produced.
What to expect during your stay
The Valserena guest house: a doorway to contemplation
The community makes the guest house facilities available to groups and individuals who wish to spend time on spiritual retreats or personal discernment independently. Those who wish may meet with a sister in the parlor, or request that a testimony session with a member of the monastic community be arranged for their group.
The community offers short retreats for young women during Lent and Advent, while during the summer, a sharing week is organized to experience the sisters' life firsthand, with the opportunity to take part not only in prayer but also in manual work within the enclosure.
Stays at the monastery are reserved for those who wish to make a genuine retreat experience. The community does not accommodate passing tourists or those seeking lodging for other purposes. Guests are asked to participate in the Eucharistic liturgy and in at least a good portion of the Liturgy of the Hours.
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A welcoming guest house at Valserena
The guest house has 12 rooms: 10 double and 2 single. There are 22 beds in total. Some rooms have a private bathroom located just outside the room.
The guest house area includes a large open space comprising:
- a large garden,
- a woodland area,
- a walking path with Stations of the Cross,
- a large area with parking.
Meals are provided by the monastery kitchen and served in the common refectory for all guests according to the monastic day schedule.
Among the various rooms in the guest house, there are:
- a lounge with a small library,
- a shop selling monastery products,
- a room that can host group meetings, with a capacity of around 40 people.
Geography and activities
A monastery between the Tuscan hills and the sea
The monastery enjoys an idyllic setting, nestled in the heart of the sun-drenched Tuscan hills, at a peaceful distance from the sea. This region, world-renowned for the breathtaking beauty of its landscapes and the timeless charm of its art cities, offers a truly enchanting backdrop.
The monastery stands in the municipality of Guardistallo, a charming small village of around 1,000 inhabitants located just 4 kilometers away. Despite the proximity of the lively town of Cecina (about 6 kilometers away), the monastery enjoys remarkable seclusion and silence, enveloped by the lush greenery of ancient woodlands and century-old olive trees.
The islands of the Tuscan Archipelago lie nearby, offering a natural spectacle of rare grandeur. This is a place where serenity reigns supreme, inviting contemplation and renewal, far from the noise of the world.
The surroundings of the monastery
Beyond the sacred grounds of Valserena monastery, a world of discovery awaits:
- a restorative walk through the surrounding woodlands, where birdsong invites contemplation,
- a pleasant stroll leads to the picturesque village of Guardistallo, a haven of peace for an authentic immersion in local life,
- Volterra, a city with millennia of history and the seat of the diocese to which the monastery belongs, located just 30 kilometers away. Its Etruscan ramparts, medieval alleyways, and treasure-filled museums will transport you through the centuries.
For a spiritual and panoramic experience, a short 45-minute drive will take you to the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie di Montenero, near Livorno. This pilgrimage site venerates the patron saint of all Tuscany, offering a setting conducive to recollection, as well as breathtaking views of the coast and the Tuscan Archipelago.
Valserena is thus an ideal starting point for exploring the natural, cultural, and spiritual riches of this magnificent region of Tuscany.
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Practical information
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