The Sacro Eremo di Camaldoli, a sacred hermitage in Italy, is a serene and contemplative space for those seeking spiritual growth and inner peace. Founded by the Camaldolese monks who follow the Rule of Saint Benedict, the hermitage is committed to a contemplative lifestyle centered around daily work, prayer, and a deep connection with the Word of God.
The community at the Sacro Eremo di Camaldoli consists of 9 monks, who can be called upon to serve either at the Sacred Hermitage or the Monastery. The Camaldolese Hermitage offers a unique blend of solitary living (in the cell) and communal life (choral prayer and meals). In their pursuit of purity and union with God, the hermits remain obedient and faithful to their brothers.
Visitors to the Sacro Eremo di Camaldoli can immerse themselves in a variety of experiences, including:
- Choral prayer with the monastic community.
- Personal prayer and meditation in the Chapel of the Clay Pot, which is always open and available.
- Exploring the ancient library, which holds a rich collection of manuscripts, incunabula, and documents dating back to the 13th century.
- Visiting the on-site pharmacy and bar to purchase products made by the monks.
- Attending yoga and meditation sessions, including beginner and advanced classes, as well as residential courses for deeper practice.
Notable attractions within the Sacro Eremo di Camaldoli include the 18th-century church, featuring the statues of S. Salvatore, S. Benedetto, and S. Romualdo, as well as stunning artwork by various artists. The cell of San Romualdo, where the saint is said to have lived, is another point of interest, exemplifying the structure and spirituality of the monks’ living spaces.
Additional points of interest within the Sacro Eremo di Camaldoli include the Chapel of the Clay Pot, a space that was once used as an icebox and is now open for prayer and meditation. This chapel is so named because the Blessed Sacrament is placed in a clay vase that serves as a tabernacle, symbolizing that extraordinary power comes from God and not from us.
The ancient library of Camaldoli is another fascinating site, with its history dating back to the 13th century. It has experienced various relocations and expansions over the years, with its current collection containing manuscripts and incunabula that were saved from the Napoleonic suppression. The library’s rich collection offers insight into the intellectual life of the monastic community.
The on-site shop at the Sacro Eremo di Camaldoli offers a range of products made by the monks, such as books, CDs, DVDs, ceramics, and religious items related to monastic spirituality. The shop also serves as a bar, providing refreshments for visitors.
The Camaldolese community at the Sacro Eremo offers a variety of activities for visitors, including yoga and meditation sessions. These practices aim to promote spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of oneself, fostering dialogue between Eastern and Western religious traditions.
Lastly, the Sacro Eremo di Camaldoli offers hospitality options for visitors who wish to stay and fully immerse themselves in the contemplative atmosphere. Guests can participate in the daily prayer schedule, attend meditation courses, and enjoy the serene natural surroundings of the hermitage.
