Eremo di Camaldoli

History

Founded by St Romuald around 1012 at 1,100 metres in the Casentino forest, the hermitage with its cottage-like cells is the original heart of the Camaldolese congregation, which unites eremitic and community life. A few years later the monastery (816 m) was born lower down, originally a hospice for pilgrims. You can visit the Baroque church, St Romuald's cell and the outdoor spaces; the enclosure remains the monks' own.

Visiting

What to see

Hermitage at 1100m among beech forests. Original cell of Saint Romuald. Church of San Salvatore. Medieval refectory. Library with ancient manuscripts.

Surroundings

Casentino Forests National Park. Spectacular trekking trails. Monastery of Camaldoli down in the valley (30 min). Waterfalls and natural springs.

Visitor information

Weekdays 9:00 AM-12:00 PM, 3:00 PM-5:00 PM (winter) / 6:00 PM (summer). Reservation recommended.

Contacts

0575 556013 (monastery guesthouse) · camaldoli.it

Hospitality and where to sleep

Guesthouse available

Monastery guesthouse in the valley, open all year

Beds and prices

At the hermitage hospitality is reserved for spiritual retreats; the reference point for pilgrims and travellers is the monastery guesthouse down in the valley: open all year, up to 154 beds in single or multi-bed rooms with bathrooms, half or full board. Bookings on tel. 0575 556013 (Mon-Fri).

Services

At the monastery: refectories open to passing visitors too, historic pharmacy with a shop of Camaldolese products, drinking water. At the hermitage no refreshment point: climb with supplies. Wifi not documented in the guest areas.

Places to stay nearby (within 15 km)

• Foresteria del Monastero di Camaldoliguesthouse
  Camaldoli, Poppi (AR) · 1.8 km as the crow flies

  Price:

  half or full board, rate to be agreed with the guesthouse (tel. 0575 556013)

  Open:

  year-round, except closure periods (check with the guesthouse)

  Facilities:

  154 beds, single and multi-bed rooms, refectory, bar, library

  Source:

  camaldoli.it

  Large monastic guesthouse in the Casentino Forests, stage finish (tel. 0575 556013).

Getting there by bike

From the monastery of Camaldoli to the hermitage it is about 3 km of relentlessly steep asphalt through the forest, with gradients around 10%; alternative climbs from Moggiona (stretches at 8-9%) or from Badia Prataglia. Bike racks and an open space by the entrance; free entry, quiet demeanour required.

From the monastery to the hermitage the road climbs firmly through the beech wood, three kilometres that bite in the legs. Better to climb with full bottles, there is no food or water at the top. The silence required applies to cyclists too.

Bike racks and open ground in front of the hermitage. Drinking water at the monastery below; no refreshment point at the hermitage.

Map and stages