The path to Italy’s past runs through its ancient monasteries

Founded by early followers of St. Francis in 1260, the sanctuary is one of hundreds of monasteries and friaries in Italy open to the public. These monasteries are often part of the cenobitic tradition based on the concept of “life in common.” But as these ancient Christian communities work to stay relevant in the modern world, their traditions are also evolving. The buildings and sites overseen by those like Gagrčić are now destinations themselves, welcoming travelers of all religious backgrounds seeking the serenity of Italy’s countryside and mountains, away from the bustling urban tourist hubs.

For almost 15 centuries, monasteries, friaries, and sanctuaries have welcomed visitors to worship, eat, stay the night, or simply enjoy the views. The practice dates back to the medieval period, when Italy was the home of countless hermits and groups of monaci (monks) and frati (brothers or friars) who sought God through community. Medieval monasteries regularly hosted overnight guests, providing a safe place to stay for all.

“St. Benedict said to welcome guests as Christ himself,” says Dom Maurizio Vivera, prior of the Sanctuary of the Sacro Speco (“holy cave”), a monastery grafted to the rock face in the central mountains of Lazio, where the saint lived as a hermit in the early sixth century. St. Benedict’s directive, Vivera adds, applies to everyone, including people who come to the monastery solely for the beauty. “He said that a hello isn’t enough—you have to give them everything you can. That became the cardinal point of the [Benedictine] order.”