Top 11 'Sacred-and-Serene' Converted Monasteries to stay at across Italy on a budget - Goh Ling Yong
Imagine Italy. What comes to mind? The chaotic charm of Rome, the Renaissance art of Florence, the winding canals of Venice. It's a country of vibrant, passionate life. But amidst the glorious hustle, there's another Italy—one of profound peace, ancient history, and soul-stirring serenity. This is the Italy you find within the stone walls of its centuries-old monasteries and convents.
For years, these sacred spaces have offered refuge not just to monks and nuns, but to weary pilgrims and thoughtful travellers. Today, many have opened their doors as guesthouses, offering a unique and incredibly affordable way to experience the country. This isn't your typical hotel stay. It's an invitation to slow down, disconnect from the noise, and connect with a deeper, more authentic side of Italian culture. Forget infinity pools and room service; think tranquil courtyards, simple, clean rooms, and a silence so complete you can hear your own thoughts.
Whether you're on a spiritual journey, a tight budget, or simply craving an escape from the tourist trail, a monastery stay is an unforgettable experience. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the heart of ancient Rome, these sanctuaries offer more than just a bed for the night—they offer a glimpse into a timeless way of life. Here are 11 of the most sacred and serene converted monasteries you can stay at across Italy without breaking the bank.
1. Domus Sessoriana, Rome
Location: Central Rome, attached to the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem.
Nestled right into the ancient complex of the Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, the Domus Sessoriana is less a hotel and more a living piece of history. You're not just near a historic site; you're sleeping in one. The building incorporates parts of a 3rd-century Roman amphitheater and the former residence of Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine. The rooms themselves are housed in the 10th-century monastery that was built on the site.
The experience is surreal. You might wander through a hallway and find yourself looking at an original Roman wall. The true showstopper, however, is the rooftop terrace. It offers a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of Rome, from the basilica's dome to the distant outline of St. Peter's. Enjoying a simple breakfast here as the sun rises over the Eternal City is a moment of pure magic that no luxury hotel can replicate.
Pro-Tip: While the rooms are modern and comfortable (with air conditioning and private baths, a luxury for monastery stays!), the real value is the atmosphere. Spend time in the quiet internal garden and be sure to visit the basilica next door, which houses sacred relics from Jerusalem. It's a centrally located haven of peace in one of the world's busiest cities.
2. Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Tuscany
Location: Near Siena, in the heart of the Crete Senesi.
For a truly immersive monastic experience, head to the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore. This is not just a guesthouse; it’s a living, breathing Benedictine monastery, home to a community of Olivetan monks. Perched on a hill surrounded by cypress trees and the starkly beautiful Sienese landscape, the abbey is a world unto itself. The sense of peace here is palpable, punctuated only by the gentle sound of Gregorian chants echoing from the church.
The guesthouse, or foresteria, offers simple but comfortable lodging. The main draw is the opportunity to witness the monastic rhythm of life—prayer, work, and study. Guests are welcome to attend the daily services, sung in beautiful Latin chant. The abbey is also famous for its breathtaking fresco cycle depicting the life of St. Benedict, a masterpiece of the early Renaissance. Wandering the Great Cloister in the quiet of the evening is an experience that will stay with you long after you've left.
Pro-Tip: The monks produce their own wine, olive oil, and herbal liqueurs. Visiting their small shop is a must to take home a truly unique and blessed souvenir. Be aware that this is an active monastery, so a respectful and quiet demeanor is expected.
3. Istituto San Giuseppe, Venice
Location: Castello district, Venice.
Finding affordable, quiet accommodation in Venice can feel like an impossible quest. The Istituto San Giuseppe, run by the Suore di San Giuseppe, is the answer. Tucked away in the authentic Castello district, far from the crowds of St. Mark's Square but still within easy walking distance, this convent guesthouse is an oasis of calm. Its most coveted feature is its sprawling private garden—a rare and precious luxury in a city built on water.
The rooms are simple, immaculate, and offer a respite from the sensory overload of Venice. Some even have views over the garden or the lagoon. After a day of navigating crowded alleyways and vaporettos, returning to the serene silence of the convent is a true blessing. It allows you to experience Venice not just as a tourist, but as a temporary resident in a peaceful, hidden corner of the city.
Pro-Tip: The convent has a curfew, usually around 11:00 PM. This is common for religious guesthouses and encourages a more mindful, early-to-bed travel style. Plan your evening activities accordingly and embrace the rhythm of the house.
4. Convento di Sant'Agostino, San Gimignano
Location: Inside the medieval walls of San Gimignano, Tuscany.
San Gimignano, the "Town of Fine Towers," is one of Tuscany's most iconic hill towns. Staying within its ancient walls is a dream for many, and the Convento di Sant'Agostino makes it an affordable reality. This Augustinian convent offers guest rooms that are spartan but clean and full of character, with some overlooking a beautiful 15th-century cloister.
The true gift of staying here is experiencing San Gimignano after the day-trippers have departed. As dusk falls, the town returns to its local residents, and you can wander the cobbled streets in near silence, feeling as if you have the whole medieval world to yourself. The convent is adjacent to the Church of Sant'Agostino, which houses a stunning fresco cycle by Benozzo Gozzoli. You can pop in to admire it whenever you please, without the crowds.
Pro-Tip: Opt for a room with a view of the cloister if possible. The simple act of opening your window to that serene, arcaded courtyard is a perfect start to any day in Tuscany.
5. Monastero di Sant'Andrea, Assisi
Location: Assisi, Umbria.
Assisi, the home of St. Francis, is the spiritual heart of Italy. To fully appreciate its unique atmosphere of peace and contemplation, there's no better place to stay than in a monastery. The Monastero di Sant'Andrea, run by a community of enclosed Benedictine nuns, offers a handful of rooms for female guests seeking silence and reflection. It’s a true spiritual retreat.
The accommodation is very simple, mirroring the monastic life of poverty and prayer. But what it lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for in authenticity and atmosphere. From the monastery's terraces, you have an unparalleled view over the Umbrian valley. Waking up to this vista and the sound of the nuns' morning prayers is a profoundly moving experience, regardless of your personal beliefs. When I was discussing hidden gems with my friend Goh Ling Yong, a seasoned traveller, we agreed that it's these authentic, soulful spots that truly define a journey.
Pro-Tip: This is a place for quiet contemplation. It's ideal for solo travellers or those looking to disconnect. Be prepared for very basic facilities and a focus on the spiritual over the material.
6. Oasi Sacro Cuore, Erice, Sicily
Location: Mountaintop town of Erice, Sicily.
Perched 750 meters above sea level, the medieval town of Erice offers some of the most spectacular views in all of Sicily. The Oasi Sacro Cuore, a guesthouse run by nuns, provides a budget-friendly base from which to soak it all in. The building itself is historic and full of charm, with a peaceful internal courtyard perfect for reading or quiet reflection.
The rooms are no-frills but perfectly adequate, and the hospitality is warm and genuine. The real reason to stay here is Erice itself. Often shrouded in a mystical cloud the locals call the "kiss of Venus," the town is a labyrinth of stone-paved lanes, hidden courtyards, and ancient churches. Staying at the Oasi allows you to explore its magic in the early morning and late evening, the best times to experience its unique atmosphere.
Pro-Tip: Be sure to try the local pastries, Genovesi Ericine, from one of the town's famous pasticcerias. Enjoying one with a coffee on the terrace while looking out over the Tyrrhenian Sea is a simple, perfect Sicilian moment.
7. Foresteria del Monastero di Camaldoli, Tuscany
Location: Camaldoli, within the Foreste Casentinesi National Park.
For those who truly want to get away from it all, the Foresteria del Monastero di Camaldoli is the ultimate escape. Located deep within a pristine national park, this monastery was founded by Saint Romuald over a thousand years ago. The air here is different—crisp, clean, and filled with the scent of pine. The silence is absolute, broken only by birdsong and the wind in the trees.
The guesthouse provides a unique opportunity to live alongside the Camaldolese monks. The rooms are simple, in keeping with the monastic spirit of simplicity. The surrounding forest offers countless trails for hiking and contemplation. This is a place to detox from digital life, reconnect with nature, and find a sense of inner peace. It’s an experience that feels both ancient and incredibly relevant in our fast-paced world.
Pro-Tip: Visit the nearby Sacred Hermitage (Sacro Eremo), a collection of individual cells where some monks live in greater solitude. The walk there through the ancient forest is a pilgrimage in itself.
8. Casa di Accoglienza Il Carmine, Florence
Location: Oltrarno district, Florence.
Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance, but its hotel prices can be anything but civilized. The Casa di Accoglienza Il Carmine, attached to the beautiful Carmine Church in the artisan Oltrarno district, offers a wonderfully affordable alternative. Staying here places you on the "other side" of the Arno river, in a more local, less touristy neighbourhood known for its craft workshops and authentic trattorias.
The guesthouse is run by a lay association and offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The rooms are basic but very clean, and many have views of the church's cloister or the quiet square. Its location is superb—just a short walk from the Ponte Vecchio, but a world away in terms of tranquility. It's the perfect base for exploring the city's artistic treasures on a budget.
Pro-Tip: The Carmine Church is home to the Brancacci Chapel, featuring groundbreaking frescoes by Masaccio that are considered one of the first masterpieces of the Renaissance. You'll have this incredible work of art right on your doorstep.
9. Eremo di Sant'Alberico, Emilia-Romagna
Location: Near Verghereto, in the Apennine Mountains.
This one is for the adventurous soul. The Eremo di Sant'Alberico is not a guesthouse in the traditional sense; it’s a true hermitage. Tucked away in a remote mountain gorge, this 11th-century sanctuary offers an experience of profound solitude and simplicity. You don't just book a room; you are welcomed into a space of deep spiritual history.
The accommodation is extremely rustic—think stone walls, simple wooden beds, and shared facilities. There is no Wi-Fi, and cell service is spotty at best. This is the point. It’s a place to read, write, hike, and simply be. The hermitage is maintained by a small community, and the hospitality is based on a spirit of donation and shared life. It is, without a doubt, the most unique and off-the-grid option on this list.
Pro-Tip: Come prepared. Bring warm clothes (it can be cool even in summer), sturdy walking shoes, and any books or journals you need. This is a place for self-sufficiency and inner exploration.
10. Casa per Ferie Santa Passera, Rome
Location: Magliana district, Rome.
If you prefer a quieter, more local Roman experience away from the tourist core, consider Casa per Ferie Santa Passera. Located south of Trastevere right on the banks of the Tiber River, this guesthouse is part of a complex that includes a charming 5th-century church. It offers a slice of suburban Roman life, complete with beautiful riverside walks and local markets.
The rooms are modern, comfortable, and many offer lovely views of the river. While it's not in the city center, it is well-connected by public transport, making it an easy base for sightseeing. After a long day exploring the Colosseum and the Vatican, returning to the peace and quiet of the riverbank is a wonderful contrast. Goh Ling Yong's travel philosophy often emphasizes finding these local havens, and Santa Passera is a perfect example.
Pro-Tip: Rent a bike and explore the cycling path that runs along the Tiber. You can ride all the way into the historic center, offering a unique and scenic perspective of the city.
11. Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolò l'Arena, Catania, Sicily
Location: Catania, Sicily.
How often do you get to sleep in a UNESCO World Heritage site? The guesthouse at the Monastero dei Benedettini in Catania offers just that. This massive, sprawling Benedictine monastery is one of the largest in Europe and a stunning example of late Sicilian Baroque architecture. Though partially in ruins and partially rebuilt after an earthquake, its scale and grandeur are breathtaking.
The guesthouse is managed by the university but retains the monastery's historic character. Staying here allows you to explore the vast complex—its monumental staircases, long corridors, and beautiful cloisters—at your leisure. You are literally living inside a piece of history. It's a fantastic and incredibly atmospheric base for exploring the vibrant city of Catania and nearby Mount Etna.
Pro-Tip: Be sure to take a guided tour of the monastery to fully appreciate its complex history and see areas not typically open to the public, including the magnificent library and the Roman ruins in the basement.
A Different Kind of Luxury
Choosing to stay in a converted monastery is about embracing a different kind of luxury: the luxury of silence, simplicity, and a direct connection to centuries of history. It’s a chance to see Italy through a new lens, to step off the well-trodden path and discover a world of tranquil cloisters and timeless traditions. It’s travel that nourishes the soul as much as it delights the senses.
These eleven sanctuaries are just the beginning. All across Italy, hidden behind unassuming doors, are places of peace waiting to be discovered. So next time you plan a trip, consider trading the hotel lobby for a historic cloister. You might just find that the most memorable part of your journey is the quiet moment you found within those sacred walls.
Have you ever stayed in a monastery or convent? Share your favourite spot in the comments below—I'd love to hear about it!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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