Does Italy Have Monasteries?

Italy has many interesting monasteries and abbeys that can be visited, ranging from evocative ruins to monasteries still in use today where you can take a tour, have lunch, or sometimes even spend the night. They're often in a very beautiful setting, too. Here are the ten best monasteries to visit in Italy.

Can I stay at a monastery?

For centuries, monasteries have hosted weary pilgrims and travelers all over the world. These days, you don't need to be on a religious quest to stay the night at a monastery. Regular backpackers and vacationers are also welcome. Accommodation in a monastery usually means simple rooms, shared facilities, and a curfew.

What is an abbey in Italy?

Italy has many historic monasteries and abbeys, mostly dating from medieval times. Some of them were built in stunning isolated settings, on mountaintops or perched on rocky promontories, often so that monks could escape religious persecution. Others were on the edges of cities which have since grown bigger.