The Holy Year, or Jubilee Year, is a special time for Catholic pilgrims to journey to Rome and deepen their faith. With the next Jubilee Year arriving in 2025, millions are expected to flock to the Eternal City. While hotels offer practical solutions, for a truly immersive experience, think about staying at monasteries, convents, and spiritual retreat centers. These places provide not just a place to rest your head, but a chance to connect with your faith in a unique and meaningful way. Even if you are not the most religious, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and like they say, try anything twice.
The allure of monasteries and convents
Monasteries and convents offer a distinct advantage – a chance to experience firsthand the rhythm of religious life. Wake up to the gentle hum of morning prayers, savor simple meals with fellow pilgrims, and find solace in the tranquility of beautifully preserved spaces steeped in history.
What to expect
Accommodation varies, with some offering single rooms, shared dormitories, or simple guest houses. Amenities are generally basic, focusing on functionality and fostering a sense of community. Be prepared for curfews and quiet hours, respecting the residents' prayer schedules. If you’ve stayed at monasteries and convents before, then you know that it does seem restrictive. If this is your first time, we recommend booking yourself in for a few days only. It can be a very spiritual experience yet potentially overwhelming.
- Dress code: Respect the religious nature of these institutions by dressing modestly, especially in common areas.
- Participation in prayers: While not mandatory, consider attending some prayers or services as a way to immerse yourself in the experience.
- Contribution: Many monasteries and convents rely on donations to operate. If you are able, offer a financial contribution or volunteer your time to show your appreciation.
- Spiritual guidance: Many facilities have resident priests or spiritual directors who offer guidance and support.
- Religious services: Participate in daily prayers, masses, or special Jubilee events held on-site.
- Community Atmosphere: Connect with fellow pilgrims from around the world and share your faith journey.
- Introspection and reflection: The peaceful environment fosters introspection and allows for a deeper spiritual connection.
Finding the right fit
Not all monasteries or convents welcome guests. Research is key! Here's how to navigate your options:
- Gender-specific accommodations: Most monasteries are for men only, while convents are for women. Some offer dedicated guest houses for both genders.
- Religious orders: Different religious orders have their own practices and atmospheres. Research the order associated with the monastery or convent to find one that aligns with your spiritual inclinations.
- Location: Consider proximity to desired attractions and public transport. Be aware that some monasteries are located outside the city center, offering a more secluded environment.
How do I book them?
Unfortunately, due to the nature of these institutions, many monasteries, convents, and retreat centers don't have online booking systems. But here are some tips and tricks to try and get your accommodation sorted.
- Advance booking: Due to the high demand during the Jubilee Year, book your accommodation well in advance, especially for popular options.
- Contacting facilities: Many monasteries and convents don't have online booking systems. Contact them directly via email or phone. Be prepared to communicate in Italian if necessary
Domus Sancta Marta (Guest House)
Located remarkably close to St. Peter's Square, this guesthouse offers a chance to stay within the Vatican walls. Rooms are simple yet comfortable, and witnessing the Pope's daily mass is a possibility (subject to availability).
Where: Via di Santa Marta, 19, 00120 Città del Vaticano.
Price: €100+ per night (approximate).
Booking: Bookings for Domus Sancta Marta are not publicly available. It's a guesthouse within the Vatican and likely prioritizes clergy or guests with special invitations. You’ll need to well in advance, or contact them via someone in the clergy.
Monastero di Sant'Anselmo
This Benedictine monastery offers a serene atmosphere on the Janiculum Hill. Accommodation is dormitory-style with shared bathrooms.
Where: Via di Sant'Anselmo, 113, 00153 Roma.
Price: €50-€70 per night (approximate).
Booking: You can email them or phone them from the details here.
Monastero di Santa Cecilia
This monastery, dedicated to the patron saint of music, offers a tranquil environment close to Trastevere, a charming Roman neighborhood. Rooms are simple and some have shared bathrooms.
Where: Via delle Botteghe Oscure, 49, 00186 Roma.
Price: €60-€80 per night (approximate).
Booking: You can email them or phone them from the details
here.
Monastero delle Monache Benedettine di S. Anna
A serene Benedictine monastery offering simple yet charming accommodations, guests here can enjoy the tranquil gardens and join the nuns for daily prayers, creating a peaceful and reflective stay. It is about 170 kilometers from Rome.
Where: Piazza Umberto I, 25, 06083 Bastia Umbra PG, Italy.
Price: Approximately €35 per night.
Booking: Contact via email at monasterotivoli@gmail.com or call +39 0774 336499.
Monastero di Santa Scolastica
An ancient Benedictine abbey nestled in the picturesque hills of Subiaco. This monastery offers minimalist rooms, a rich history, and opportunities for nature walks and spiritual retreats.
Where: Via San Scolastica, 11, 00028 Subiaco, Rome, Italy
Price: Approximately €50 per night.
Booking: Visit the website at www.santascolastica.org or call +39 0774 85454.
Casa di Santa Francesca Romana
Housed in a medieval building, this charming hotel offers a tranquil escape in the heart of Rome's bustling Trastevere district. You can unwind in the courtyard, find spiritual solace in the on-site chapel, and start your day with a delicious breakfast included in the price.
Where: Via di Santa Francesca Romana, 28, 00186 Roma RM, Italy.
Price: Approximately €141 per night.
Booking: Find accommodation on their website here.
Casa Santo Spirito
A humble guesthouse run by Franciscan nuns offering simple rooms, a chapel & a kitchenette, go here for an authentic experience, allowing you to connect with the spiritual side of Rome. While the rooms are basic, the peaceful ambience and proximity to St. Peter's Square make it an attractive option for pilgrims and those looking for a quiet retreat, especially if you need to queue up for a papal audience.
Where: Borgo Santo Spirito 41, 00193 Rome Italy.
Price: Approximately €70 per night.
Booking: Find information on their website here or for a quick reply.
Holiday home The Rosary
Experience the warmth of a religious community at Holiday home The Rosary. Run by nuns, this unpretentious hotel is peaceful and is ideal if you are doing some soul searching. Breakfast is on the house, and it has lovely views of the city, from the rooftop terrace. There are 35 rooms in all, and the whole place can host up to 58 people. Some of them overlook the street in the Monti district, which is great. You’re also in luck if you get one that looks over the little inner garden filled with orange trees.
Where: Via degli Astalli, 17, 00186 Roma RM, Italy.
Price: €40 upwards per night, depending on the type of accommodation.
Booking: Make reservations in advance
here.
Domus Helena
This is a guesthouse run by Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary. It is a completely renovated holiday home located in the center of Rome. Apart from air conditioning, television, showers and bath gels, you even get free Wifi. You can get to Termini station in 3 minutes, the Spanish Steps and the city center in 8 minutes and St Peter's in 11 minutes, on Line A, and with Line B, the Colosseum will be just 10 mins away. Want to walk? Get to Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano just 900 meters away, and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, only 500 meters away.
Where: Via Ferruccio, 25 – 00185 Roma.
Price: €85 upwards for two.
Booking:Plan your stay and book it on their
website.
Suore di Santa Elisabetta
Above the threshold of this charming terracotta-colored convent is a lovely statue of Saint Elisabeth, for whom the convent and the holiday home are named for. There is a chapel if you’re looking for a more spiritual stay. The interior has been completely renovated but simple with main highlights being a serene chapel and a lush oasis with flowers, shrubs, and palm trees at the back. The location is superb, close to public transport and within walking distance of the train station. Pick from one of 45 rooms (singles, doubles, triples, quadruples), all with bathrooms, breakfast included. You will have to be back by 11pm as there is a strict curfew. You will likely wake up to the bells of Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, rounding off your spiritual visit. It can get hot in the peak of summer, as there is no air conditioning.
Where: Via dell’Olmata, 9; 00184 Roma.
Price: €60 upwards per person, depending on the type of room.
Booking: Contact them via the website here
or even email!
For more on what to do in Rome during the Jubilee Year, check out our guide here.
