Written by eileen on January 27th, 2012
In 1954, the monks purchased an abandoned 19th century castle that was adjacent to the monastery and its 12th century church. The complex is ensconced in a huge park with wonderful views of the sea.
Italy is one of my favorite countries to visit. The welcoming ambience of the Italian people, the ease of getting around and the charms of the hilltop villages and sophisticated cities always make for a memorable trip. But, of course, there are always favorites to be visited again and again. And certainly, high on my list is the Ligurian Coast.
A few years ago I elected to spend two weeks traveling this particularly beautiful coastline. I stayed in Camogli, a delightful city with beautiful views. My reasons for choosing a monastery are many, among them are the fact that they are architecturally beautiful structures, inexpensive, well tended and safe.
Camogli occupies a pine-covered slope on the western side of the Portofino promontory. A distinctive and picturesque seaside town of narrow cobblestoned lanes and porticoes, Camogli has retained its atmospheric medieval center, highlighted by very tall, pastel-colored houses. The charm of the houses is accentuated by trompe l’oeil artwork, an artistic feature that can be seen all along the coast. And when you’re talking about “fooling the eye,” this area can’t be beat.
For an outstanding day trip, the famous Abbey of San Fruttuoso is a monumental Benedictine compound that can be accessed by ferry or by a dramatic and inspiring cliff side walk that takes about 5 hours roundtrip. The majestic white abbey buildings are sheltered in a setting of pines and olives trees. Built in the 10th century, the medieval church reveals three naves, a Byzantine cupola and a romantic two-tiered cloister ornamented with columns and carved capitals.
If you’re into walking (as I am), the fishing hamlet of San Rocco can be reached via a pretty walk of 5 km through olive trees and citrus groves. It is home to the Romanesque church of San Nicolo Recco. According to legend, the church was founded by Erice, son of Venere, who built a temple dedicated to his mother.
For more information on Ligura’s monasteries: monasteriesofitaly.com
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Tags: abbey alghero Alsace Bourges Britain Brittany Cathedral of St-Etienne Charles Martel church Cistercian convent cordoba cortona Dijon Dukes of Burgundy Eileen Barish English Channel France Gallo-Roman , camogli, Liguria, Ligurian coast, Portofino
Written by eileen on January 12th, 2012
Lodge in a monastery in a castle
Spend a night or a week as a guest at a working monastery and come away filled with the essence of France, its history, art, architecture and local traditions.
There are hundreds of monasteries, maisons and convents throughout France where travelers can enjoy a holiday touring France, including its perched villages and ancient walled towns. You’ll get a chance to mingle with the locals at the daily market or enjoy a glass of Bordeaux or hot chocolate in a friendly café. Perhaps you’d prefer to people watch from an atmospheric plaza or stroll the medieval quarters and cobblestone streets of a quiet hamlet. Engross yourself in France’s idiosyncratic timber-framed houses and royal castles, as charming today as they were hundreds of years ago or visit a bastide, a town layout unique to France.
Monastery travel represents a singular experience, a travel experience that Europeans have enjoyed for centuries. Each institution is open to all regardless of religious denomination and without any religious obligation. Whether you prefer the sophistication of a city, the allure of the countryside or the simplicity of a tiny walled village, each offers an experience that will linger long after you’re returned home.
For more information: MonasteriesOfFrance.com
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Tags: provence, white towns
Written by eileen on November 15th, 2011
Palais des ducs de Bourgogne (Dukes of Burgundy's Palace
The Basilique crowns the top of a hill and can be seen from miles away. Its long and turbulent history hasn’t kept it from becoming a resplendent structure of truly imposing dimensions. Founded in the 10th century, it passed under the rule of Cluny in the 11th. UNESCO has recognized the church as a World Heritage Monument. Considered one of the great pilgrimage churches of France, the façade and portals are richly adorned with bas-relief. Beyond the finely sculpted Romanesque interior portals, the columns of the nave are crowned with carved capitals considered masterpieces.
The nearby city of Dijon is Burgundy’s ancient capital as well as its commercial and cultural hub. As the Roman settlement of Divio, it was regularly pillaged and burned. Since the Middle Ages, it has remained untouched. Its old quarter is a network of ancient alleys squeezed between well-restored medieval and Renaissance structures and small squares.
Seat of the flamboyant Dukes of Burgundy, Dijon is centered on the Palais des Ducs. The cobbled courtyards, stone towers and sweeping staircases of the palace house the Musee des beaux Arts, nicknamed “Le Petite Louvre” for its extraordinary wealth of French and Flemish art.
The Jewish community of Dijon dates back to the end of the 12th century when the Jewish quarter consisted of the medieval synagogue and cemetery that was destroyed after the Jews were expelled from France in 1306. A new community was established after the French Revolution. The Musee d’Archeologie preserves an important collection of 12th and 13th century Jewish tombstones. Dedicated in 1879 the synagogue was used as a warehouse during the German occupation. The lovely 19th century edifice was spared from destruction during WWII but the original pews were lost.
From Dijon, the Routes des Grands Crus runs thirty miles in a nearly straight line through the storybook wine villages of the Cote d’Or. Waist-high vines line the edges of the road. The hub of this route is the ancient town of Beaune whose center is a medley of cobbled lanes and alluring squares. Once the region’s main town, its medieval ramparts are still almost intact.
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Tags: Burgundy, Dijon, Dukes of Burgundy, France, monastery lodging. monastery stays, monks, Musee des beaux Arts, nuns, Palais des Ducs, Romanesque, Routes des Grands Crus, UNESCO, “Le Petite Louvre
Written by eileen on October 4th, 2011
One of the most beguiling and often overlooked cities is Camogli.
Located along the Aurelia, an ancient Roman road, so named because it was constructed under the aegis of Emperor Marc Aurelia, the monastery has a beautiful view of the sea and the snow-laced Alps. It houses an important library of rare editions and antique parchments.
The welcoming ambience of the Italian people, the ease of getting around and the charms of the hilltop villages and sophisticated cities always make for a memorable trip. High on the list is the glorious Ligurian Coast. One of the most beguiling and often overlooked cities is Camogli.
Camogli occupies a pine-covered slope on the western side of the Portofino promontory. A distinctive and picturesque seaside town of narrow cobblestone lanes and porticoes, Camogli offers excellent views. The city has retained its atmospheric medieval center, highlighted by very tall, pastel-colored houses. The charm of the houses is accentuated by trompe l’oeil artwork, an artistic feature that can be seen in nearly every city along the Ligurian Coast.
For an outstanding day trip, the famous Abbey of San Fruttuoso is a monumental Benedictine compound that can be accessed by ferry or by a dramatic and inspiring cliff side walk that takes about 5 hours roundtrip. The majestic white abbey buildings are sheltered in a setting of pines and olive trees. Built in the 10th century, the medieval church reveals three naves, a Byzantine cupola and a romantic two-tiered cloister ornamented with columns and carved capitals.
The nearby fishing hamlet of San Rocco can be reached via a pretty walk of 5 km through olive trees and citrus groves. It is home to the Romanesque church of San Nicolo Recco. According to legend, the church was founded by Erice who built a temple dedicated to his mother.
Also close by, Portofino is one of the most exclusive resorts in Italy. A harbor town, it is anchored on a promontory overlooking the sea and coastline. What makes the town even more delightful are the brightly colored houses that edge the portside piazza and compose a postcard pretty picture. Hikers can take the road near the16th century Castle of San Giorgio through a woodland to the Punta del Capo lighthouse for a taste of serenity and beauty.
Nearby Genoa remains the most important harbor in Italy. It is laid out along the seashore like an amphitheater. A maze of narrow streets comprise the heart of the old city where humble houses, medieval churches and 16th century palaces stand side by side. The austere facades of the churches, often layers of black and white marble, belie the beauty within. The surrounding hilltops are scattered with walls and fortresses from the early 17th century. In the 13th century, the city was the main maritime power of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Some of the city’s sights include the Palazzo Rosso and its fine gallery showcasing Tintoretto, Caravaggio, Veronese and Durer while the Palazzo Bianco exhibits the works of Pontormo, Reubens and Van Dyck. The Staglieno is as much a sculpture garden as it is an amazing cemetery. Planned in the mid 15th century, it is a place unto itself. There’s a map that shows the way down through cedar and cypress-lined avenues to a cache of impressive monuments including the provocative granite and marble female figures on the tombstones.
For more information go to: MonasteriesOfItaly.com
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Written by eileen on September 10th, 2011
The abbey-church was a popular stop for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela, in what is now Spain.
The abbey’s church is celebrated for its tympanum depicting the “Last Judgment.” It is embellished with 124 carved figures. There is also a gilded wood reliquary studded with precious stones that is one of the oldest statues of the Christian era.
Nearby Conques is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is among the very few sites in France that can boast such a grand heritage. Stroll through its city streets and take note of the fact that Conques is a place that seems to have traveled through time unchanged. A stop on the route to Santiago de Compostela, the allure of the village is highlighted by its Romanesque -style abbey church. The area encompassing the church is a picture postcard setting of slate-roofed, half-timbered houses.
Close to Conques, Rodez lies on a hill with wide horizons dominated by the late 13th century red sand stone Cathedrale Notre-Dame, an outstanding edifice of northern Gothic style crowned by a 240’ tower. The interior preserves a finely worked 15th century screen, a 16th century “Entombment” in polychrome stone and a double row of sculpted stalls. There is a sense of history in Rodez as seen in the town’s ancient quarter, now a pedestrian zone, retains its old world charm.
Among the main reasons to visit this part of France are the bastides. “new” towns built by feudal lords to attract settlers and soldiers in the 13th century. The bastides are defined by a central marketplace bordered by arcaded houses, an adjacent church and checkerboard streets. More than three hundred bastides are strewn in an enchanting galaxy across the entire southwestern part of France. Of special note, no two are alike, yet all share the same basic grid design; a central market and market square with a network of streets and lanes radiating out in perfect symmetry.
The bastide Villefrance-de-Rouergue is a landscape of architectural charm, old world sensibility and charm. A regimented alignment of roofs, narrow lanes, a central arcaded square and a church form the heart of the village. A fortified town, it was founded in 1252 by Alphonse de Poitiers, brother of King Louis IX. The ancient core is overshadowed by the stalwart bulk of Cathedrale Notre-Dame. Built in southern Gothic style, the church is marked by a massive 15th century belfry. The Penitents Noirs Chapel has a gilded wooded altarpiece and 15th century choir stalls.
Montauban is one of the finest and earliest bastides. Built of pink bricks by the Count of Toulouse, it traces its founding to 1144. Also a fortified village, excellent examples of the golden age of the 13th century are obvious in its place Nationale and bishop’s palace, now the Musee Ingres.
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Written by eileen on July 29th, 2011
Set in rural Warwickshire and standing beside a historic 14th century church, the Retreat House is embraced by its own gardens that overlook the verdant countryside. Close by, the village of Morley was formerly the site of quarries, now a wildlife reserve. The village’s main attraction is the Parish Church of St. Mathew where some of the finest displays of medieval stained glass windows in the country can be admired. Much of the glass came from Dale Abbey at the time of the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The church boasts a Norman nave while the tower, chancel and north chapel date to the late 14th and early 15th century.
HE story of the Brontes is one of the saddest in the annals of literature. They were the children of a father who was both cold and violent, and of a gentle, sickly mother, early lost. They were reared amid surroundings the most gloomy and unhealthful, and cursed as they grew older with a brother who brought them shame and sorrow in return for the love they lavished upon him.
Bronte aficionados will want to visit nearby Haworth, famous for its connections with the famous sisters who lived at Haworth Parsonage and wrote some of their most famous novels including Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre. Now the Bronte Parsonage Museum, the rooms are meticulously furnished as they were in the Bronte era and include many personal treasures. Evoking the Bronte sisters’ novels are a number of local walks such as Bronte Falls and Bronte Bridge.
In early morning of 11 February 1963, Plath took her own life. She placed her head in a gas oven after completely sealing the rooms between herself and her children. She left a note for the man who lived downstairs, Trevor Thomas, to call her doctor. However, rather than rising, the gas seeped through the floor and knocked Mr Thomas out cold for several hours. An au pair girl was to arrive at nine o'clock that morning to help Plath with the care of her children. Arriving promptly at 9, the au pair could not get into the flat. It has been suggested that Plath's timing & planning of this suicide attempt was too precise, too coincidental, not to be "serious" or intended. She had previously asked Mr Thomas what time he would be leaving. Plath must have turned the gas on at a time when Mr Thomas should have been waking & beginning his day. A note was placed that read "Call Dr Horder" and left his phone number. These measures were too time-sensitive and could have saved Plath's life if events followed her suggested logic.
In the interesting mill town of Hebden Bridge, the houses hang precariously from the steep valley sides. An ancient town, it grew up close to the River Hebden at the point where a stone bridge was built as part of a packhorse route in the 16th century. Heptonstall, above the town shows its antiquity in narrow cobbled streets lined with 500-year old cottages and the ruins of a 13th century church. It is the churchyard though that attracts visitors and the place where the poet Sylvia Plath is buried.
At nearby Hebden Water is an area known as the “crags,” an arena of footpaths encompassing a medley of natural and archaeological history, passing through dense woodland alive with oak, ash, beech and pine trees. In springtime, these lofty trees spread their branches over a carpet of vibrant, gently nodding bluebells. Gibson Mill offers hands-on exhibits and provides insight into the lives of the people who toiled at the mill for up to 72 hours a week, often for very little reward.
Another interesting side trip can include Saltaire, a perfectly preserved village of honey-colored cottages that originated as an answer to Bradford’s “dark, satanic mills.” Now recognized as a World Heritage Site, the former Salt Mill has been transformed into an art gallery and houses works of the famous Bradford born artist David Hockney. The village is also home to a historic gem, the United Reform Church, a Victorian structure and an exquisite example of Italianate religious architecture.
For more information, visit: Monasteries of Britain
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Tags: abbey, Britain, Bronte Sisters, convent, David Hockney, Eileen Barish, lodging, monastery, Monastery Lodging, monastery stays, monastery vacations, monk, nun, Sylvia Plath
Written by eileen on June 16th, 2011
Siena is built on three hills and has preserved an ancient appearance characterized by noble buildings of reddish gold bricks, steep, twisting stone alleys and centuries-old walls.
Stay at a former palace, now a monastery, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Siena, a Gothic-Inspired City for about $70/night including breakfast
An historical palace from the 13th or 14th century, it is well located for touring Tuscany. Nearby Siena is built on three hills and has preserved an ancient appearance characterized by noble buildings of reddish gold bricks, steep, twisting stone alleys and centuries-old walls. Of Etruscan origin, Siena’s importance grew in the Middle Ages. For centuries, it struggled with Florence and after a long siege was conquered by the Florentines and became part of the Duchy until unification with Italy.
An inscription on the Porta di Camollia reads “Siena opens up its heart more than any other place.” Siena’s Golden Age reached its pinnacle in the 13th century when “Nine Good Men” were chosen from the middle class to rule the city. During their reign, many of Siena’s finest architectural achievements came to pass. In 1348, a plague struck, killing three quarters of the city’s inhabitants. Forgotten for years, the city was untouched by the Renaissance movement. This isolation had a hidden benefit; it left Siena with the appearance and aura of a Gothic-inspired city.
Eleven narrow archways lead to the Piazza de Campo. A crescent shaped piazza, the square is surrounded by a maze of medieval streets lined with Gothic palaces. Its most illustrious is the Palazzo Publicco, Siena’s impressive crenellated town hall. The interior of the palace is adorned with frescoes by Duccio, Simone Martini and Lorenzetti as well as paintings of the Sienese school. Mangia Tower, the palace’s huge bell tower is one of Italy’s highest medieval towers. More than 500 steps lead to the top and incredible vistas.
The Piazza del Duomo lies at the heart of the city and is home to the imposing 12th century duomo. A remarkable structure of Gothic-Italian design, it is composed of black and white zebra-like stripes of basalt and travertine, its vaulted interior a showcase of marble pillars and inlaid marble flooring. The ceiling is painted blue and accented with gold stars to resemble the night sky.
For more information, visit: Monasteries of Italy
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Written by eileen on January 9th, 2011
Vernazza, one of the towns, boasts a spectacular bay.
Built by locals seeking shelter on the mountains, far from the coast and the Lombard invasions, the monastery is enveloped by a Ligurian landscape of steep, wooded hills and archetypical lush hillside terraces.
The Cinque Terre (Five Lands) are extraordinarily scenic seaside villages which look today as they did thousands of years ago. Built into the mountainside, the fishing villages cling to a rocky coastline, on cliffs that drop precipitously into the sea. The Cinque Terre forms a natural park of sublime beauty (cars are banned from the towns). An ancient footpath known as the Sentiero Azzurro, offers breathtaking views. The trail traces the coast along a narrow, vertiginous path through vineyards and olive groves that link one village to another.
Vernazza, one of the towns, boasts a spectacular bay; its setting highlighted by a seaside promenade and piazza. Green-shuttered houses line the streets that are connected by steep stairways A walk down the hillside reveals quaint stone bridges, grape vines, sepia-toned houses with sloping slate roofs and terraced gardens filled with fragrant lemon trees.
Close by is the seaside town of Portovenere, at the end of the rocky slopes of the Gulf of Spezia. A romantic village of narrow streets and richly colored row houses, the marina bobs with toylike fishing boats, its church of black and white banded marble presenting a handsome contrast to the blue sea. The English poet Byron once lived in town and often spent time in a cave named Arpaia. Portovenere faces the island of Palmaria, an intriguing locale of grottoes and sea stacks.
For more information go to: MONASTERIESOFITALY.com
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Written by eileen on December 2nd, 2010
The monastery complex is composed of a Baroque 17th century church, cloister and convent (cells of the friars, refectory, chapter house and library).
In 1605, the Dominican friars of Santillana Del Mar were asked to settle in the hermitage. They accepted and became an independent monastery in 1611. The monastery complex is composed of a Baroque 17th century church, cloister and convent (cells of the friars, refectory, chapter house and library). The simple cloister is adorned with a fine collection of Baroque paintings, representing scenes from the life of Santa Domingo. Each of the six lateral chapels has a retablo dedicated to a saint.
Santillana del Mar is close to the monastery. Its inhabitants jokingly refer to it as the city of three lies: one, it isn’t saintly, two it isn’t flat (Llana means flat) and three, it isn’t by the sea. Despite its popularity and the fact that the city has become a tourist mecca, it is among the most perfectly preserved medieval villages in Spain. Santillana del Mar maintains an old-world atmosphere embodied by exquisite medieval buildings and cobbled streets. Its ensemble of 15th to 17th century golden stone mansions and palaces imbues the town with a distinctive character while offering a glimpse of the old country nobility of Spain. The houses are underscored by wooden galleries of iron balconies filled with flowers, their plain stone facades enlivened by coats of arms.
A short distance away are the Altamira Caves embellished with prehistoric rock paintings renowned for their beauty, vivid coloring and excellent state of preservation. Written application must be made months in advance to arrange a visit. The cave paintings were accidentally discovered by a hunter in 1869. Four years later, an archaeologist happened upon the underground chambers containing the paintings, most of which date to the late Magdalenian period, c. 15,000-10,000 BC. Often referred to as the Sistine Chapel of Cave Art, the ceiling of the chamber is emblazoned with animals. The caves’ most famous drawings are of bison. Predominantly painted in red, ocher, black and brown, the minerals used to create the paints were taken from the caves.
For more information go to: Monasteries of Spain
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Written by eileen on November 10th, 2010
The Maison is quartered in a lush wooded valley on a site once occupied by a Cistercian monastery.
The Maison is quartered in a lush wooded valley on a site once occupied by a Cistercian monastery that played an important role in the region. Historically, and until the French Revolution, the village belonged to the Cistercian abbey. The town’s coat of arms is derived from the monastery’s seal. Today, however, the only remains of the Cistercian complex are a part of the walls, a stone portal and some 17th century caves.
Alsace has the look and feel of a foreign, non-French country. The older half-timbered houses, many with wooden balconies, are identical to those across the Rhine in Baden. To see Alsace at its most typical, follow the Route du Vin through scenic terrain dotted with wine-producing villages. Since Roman times, the Alsatians have tamed the hillsides that are crisscrossed with footpaths through the vines. Local costumes, wine festivals and much of the region’s wine product reflect the area’s Germanic roots.
The town of Eguisheim is an easy day trip from the Maison. Located on the Route du Vin, the town dates to the Middle Ages. Its charm resides in its fountains, winding flower-filled alleys and the beauty of the countryside. The name of the city comes from “home of Egino” the Count of Eguisheim. Archeological research reveals that tens of thousands of years ago, homosapiens from the Dordogne lived in the region. At the core of the fortified city are traces of a 13th century castle and three towers. The castle was built by Count Eberhard, nephew of Sainte-Odile. In 1049 Bruno of Eguisheim was born in the town; years later he became pope.
For more information go to: Monasteriesof france.com
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Tags: abbey, Alsace, Bruno of Eguisheim, Cistercian, convent, Eguisheim, Eileen Barish, France, lodging, monastery, Monastery Lodging, monastery stays, monastery vacations, monk, nun, Route du Vin
Written by eileen on October 29th, 2010
The Lido is Alghero's own beach that runs all the way form Alghero to Fertilia, a small hamlet of Alghero.
Sardinia is known as the Island of the Winds. Offshore breezes continue year round. The island of Sardina is a place unto itself. A place of dramatic rolling uplands and a coastline with hidden coves, sandy beaches and numerous caves. A place where ancient traditions are revealed in the island’s many festivals. Once occupied by the Phoenicians and Etruscan societies, remnants of these civilizations attest to their part of Sardinia’s history. There are some distinguished Pisan-Romanesque churches around Sassari and the dialect often spoken is reminiscent with the languages of Tuscany. Although most of Sardinia remains relatively free of tourists, the luxurious and exclusive coastal area of Costa Smeralda attracts a wealthy crowd.
- At the centre of the Nuraghe di Palmavera complex is a palace dating back to the 1300s BC. Nuraghe Di Palmavera Palace The tholos or beehive construction of the central tower can be seen from inside the main chamber.
Alghero is a pretty seaside town founded on a peninsula facing the Bay of Alghero. An ancient feudal territory of theGenoese, in 1353, the Catalans took possession of the town and called it Barceloneta. Six centuries have passed since that time yet the Spanish influence endures, its indelible mark apparent in the language, folklore and architecture including the mighty fortifications that define the landscape.
Sardinia’s country is scattered with the remains of the nuragic civilization, a prehistoric settlement of Sardinia This singular and enigmatic culture is characterized by the intriguing nuraghe, truncated conical structures built from huge basalt blocks excavated from extinct volcanoes. The round vaulted interiors are linked by corridors and stairways to upper terraces No two structures are alike. Almost nothing is known of this culture a fact that serves to enhance its mysterious appeal.
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Written by eileen on October 16th, 2010
Quartered in the town amidst its own spacious park, the guesthouse is conveniently located for daily excursions into the lovely environs.
Quartered in the town amidst its own spacious park, the guesthouse is conveniently located for daily excursions into the lovely environs. Perigeux is an ancient and gastronomic city and like its neighbors Bergerac and Riberac, should be visited on market days when the stalls in the medieval sections offer local specialties. Perigeux is famous for its pates, notably goose livers and truffles. La Cite, a medieval quarter was once the important Gallo-Roman settlement of Vesunna. Remains from Roman times include the arenas, the Vesunna tower and an amphitheater. The 12th century cathedral has five domes topped by cupolas. The interior is adorned with Byzantine-style chandeliers. In the old town, the longest and finest street is the narrow rue Limogeanne; it is lined with Renaissance mansions, many of which are now boutiques and patisseries.
The greatest concentration of prehistoric sites in France is found near the Maison along the Vezere river. Les Eyzies-de-Tayac is encompassed by caves and grottoes, many adored with primitive art. More than 300 animal figures are carved on the walls of the Grotte des Combarelles; the paintings of horses, bison, mammoths and reindeer in the Grotte de Font-de-Gaume are second only to Lascaux.
For more information go to: Monasteriesof france.com
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Tags: abbey, Acquitane, Bergerac, convent, Eileen Barish, France, Gallo-Roman, Grotte de Font-de-Gaume, Grotte des Combarelles, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, lodging, monastery, Monastery Lodging, monastery stays, monastery vacations, monk, nun, Perigeux, Riberac, Vesunna
Written by eileen on October 8th, 2010
The center contains about 10,000 texts, some of which date back to the 1500s.
The center is located within its own extensive grounds that form the largest organic garden of Birmingham. The center preserves one of the largest Quaker libraries, second only to the Friends House in London and contains about 10,000 texts some of which date back to the 1500s. It is open 24 hours a day for guests. The garden boasts a tranquil lake with an island, an authentic Victorian boating house, a labyrinth, Chinese garden, wet meadows, woodland walks and a walled kitchen garden that produces most of the vegetables for the house’s kitchen Tours of the garden are available. In nearby Dudley, the ruins of Dudley Castle have dominated the town since it was built in Norman times. The castle is one of the most important ruins in the West Midlands and was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
Nearby Lapworth has not changed very much over the centuries. It is a becoming mix of ancient properties that mingle harmoniously with barn conversions and new structures. Lapworth’s lovely church is noteworthy for its detached battlemented tower and steeple. A tall nave with a clerestory of Perpendicular square-headed windows distinguishes the architecture.
Lapworth is close to the Tudor delights of Henley-in-Arden. Hidden amidst the verdant lanes of Warwickshire, this pleasant town has maintained much of its original allure and character with buildings covering every period of history going back to medieval times. The one-mile High Street is classified as a Conservation Area and contains many buildings of architectural interest including oak timbered properties dating from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. They have been beautifully preserved, hence its singular designation.
For more information visit: MonasteriesOfBritain.com
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Written by eileen on September 25th, 2010
732 depicts a triumphant Charles Martel (mounted) facing ‘Abdul Rahman Al Ghafiqi (right) at the Battle of Tours.
The monastery is situated in the hilly countryside of Center in the Loire valley. There are numerous day trips to nearby cities including Tours, chief town of the Loire valley and capital of the Touraine region. The capital is rich with history and a well-preserved heritage. It was in Tours in 732 that Charles Martel halted the Moorish conquest of Europe when his Frankish army defeated the Arab army. Charles Martel’s halt of the invasion of French soil turned the tide of Islamic advances.
Tours was also the cradle of the French Renaissance. Signs of this artistic development include masterpieces such as the tomb of Charles VIII’s sons, the remains of St. Martin cloister and several mansions. In the atmospheric old quarter, the medieval lanes are fronted by an array of 12th to 15th century half-timbered houses, stairway towers, bustling cafes, boutiques and galleries. Quite close to the square the Hotel Gouin is an exemplary specimen of Renaissance domestic architecture. Musee des Beaux Arts is in the former archbishop’s palace. It preserves paintings from the Middle Ages to the 20th century including Mantegna, Rubens, Rembrandt, Boucher, Delacroix and Degas.
Historians have evidence of Jewish life in Tours as far back as the late 6th century. In the Middle Ages Jews lived in an area near the rue de la Caserne. The Jewish community still maintains a synagogue and community center.
The beguiling town of Saumur is among the most beautiful in the Loire valley. Fashioned out of the chalky tufa stone typical of the Loire, Saumur’s fairy tale white limestone castle perches atop the town and is home to a famous miniature, the Book of Hours. Nicknamed the “white town” most of Saumur’s architecture reflects its stone foundations but there are a number of restored half-timbered houses as well. Among its outstanding monuments is the 12th century Romanesque Church of Notre-Dame de Nantilly. Renowned for its sparkling white wines, Saumur’s wine cellars provide tastings of the famous Saumur Champigny, Cremant de Loire and the regal dry Saumur Brut. Beneath the city, mushrooms grow in the caves carved out of the limestone rock. Guided tours of the underground caves are available.
For more information go to: Monasteries of France
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Written by eileen on September 14th, 2010
Salisbury is home to a 17th century theological college offering hospitality to all.
Salisbury is home to a 17th century theological college offering hospitality to all. An historical town its earliest foundation dates to the 11th century. It is only two miles from a hill called Old Sarum, site of the original castle and cathedral, now impressive ruins. The massive Iron Age hill fort of Old Sarum was re-used by the Romans, Saxons and Normans before growing into one of the most flourishing settlements in medieval England.
From the Iron Age ramparts, there are fine views of the countryside. Medieval Salisbury has much to offer including historic chequers (squares) and alleyways, charming half-timbered buildings and Britain’s finest medieval cathedral, unique Salisbury Cathedral, Unlike its cousins, the cathedral did not evolve gradually over centuries but rather was built to completion within a single generation. As a result, it presents a remarkable unity of vision. Begun in 1220, the 404′ spire is the tallest in England, a fact known by most English school children. What is not as well known is that the medieval builders of the spire accomplished their masterpiece with foundations only five to six feet deep in the wet ground to bear the strain of 6,400 tons. There are 323 steps to the spire and excellent views of Salisbury and the countryside.
The Cathedral Library houses the original copy of the Magna Carta, brought here by William Longpre, Earl of Salisbury and half brother to King John.
The Cathedral Library houses the original copy of the Magna Carta, brought here by William Longpre, Earl of Salisbury and half brother to King John. Longpre is buried in the cathedral, the first person so honored. The nave houses the oldest working mechanical clock in the world dating to 1386. There are no hands and no clock face; rather, it rings a chime of bells every hour. It was originally built to call the bishops to services.
Just as there is more to the cathedral than the spire so there is more to the city than the cathedral. A wide green space, The Close envelops the cathedral. Essentially it is a walled city within the city ringed by wonderful period houses. Among the most memorable is Mompesson House, an elegant spacious 18th century structure, it displays magnificent plasterwork, a fine oak staircase and splendid furniture and contains the Turnbull collection of 18th century drinking glasses.
For more information got to: MonasteriesOfBritain.com
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Written by eileen on September 11th, 2010
The monastery is well suited for touring the Pueblos Blancos, a route through fortified hilltop towns and villages amid a charming tangle of gorges, cork forests and vast rocky peaks.
The monastery was originally founded by a group of twelve women who had formed a community although they did not belong to any specific order. In 1518 a group of nuns from San Juan de la Palma, a monastery in Seville, joined the group and established the Franciscan monastery. During the religious suppressions, the sisters remained in residence, however, a small part of the building was set on fire. “The damage was small and nothing serious happened,” said one of the nuns. Since the order lives in seclusion, the monastery is not open to visitors. “But guests staying in our guest house can visit our church,” said the Madre Hospedera. ”It is a beautiful Baroque building with a central and two lateral retablos,” she added.
The sisters of this monastery in Andalucia are renowned for their pastries. The monastery is well suited for touring the Pueblos Blancos, a route through fortified hilltop towns and villages amid a charming tangle of gorges, cork forests and vast rocky peaks. Framed by Moorish arches and draped in bougainvillea, these cliff-top towns are so named because they are whitewashed in the Moorish tradition. They retain an atmosphere reminiscent of the Middle Ages.
The architecture and appearance of nearby Seville, capital of bullfighting in Spain, can be traced to the Moorish occupation from 741 to 1248. The monuments from that period represent the sum and substance of Andalusian culture. The Alcazar is ensconced in the historic center and is protected by walls; the neighborhood is underscored by symbolic whitewashed buildings and iron filigreed balconies. Adjoining the cathedral is the Reales Alcazares, one of the oldest royal residences in Europe. Built in Moorish style, it rivals the Alhambra in its exquisite embellishments and grand halls.
Only women are welcomed as guests and extended visits are preferred. The cost is $108 per month or $6.00 per night. For more information about Spanish monasteries click: MonasteriesOfSpain.com
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Tags: abbey, Andalucia. Franciscan, convent, Eileen Barish, lodging, Middle Ages, monastery, Monastery Lodging, monastery stays, monastery vaction, nun, Pueblos Blancos, Reales Alcazares, Seville, spain
Written by eileen on August 15th, 2010
Tuscany's monasteries welcome visitors without any religious obligation.
In addition to the well-known cities of Florence, Pisa, Siena and Cortona, there are dozens upon dozens of intriguing villages and hamlets that bring you in touch with Italian culture, art, history, architecture, food and people. From forests, to mountaintops, to great cities and small hamlets, there are dozens of monasteries to choose from in the beautiful region of Tuscany. Intriguing places that bring you in touch with Italian culture, art, history, architecture, food, wine and the Italian locals.
Mount Amiata is a holiday resort region offering hiking, horseback riding and cultural entertainment in the summer, skiing in the winter. Nearby Abbadia San Salvatore resides in a boulder-strewn setting. Gothic and Renaissance style buildings of dark gray stone enrich the distinctive medieval ambience of the old town.
There are dozens of choices throughout Tuscany.
In an unusual landscape of clay and limestone hillsides, 14th century Sienese walls still surround part of the small medieval town of Asciano. Elegant cypress trees and farmhouses add a quaint touch to the setting. The town’s Museo Etrusco shelters collections accumulated from Etruscan tombs unearthed in the area.
Another monastery is in a small town in the heart of the Casentino region. A milieu of mystical beauty, of mountains bathed in a palette of soft pastels, the region is home to one of Italy’s wildest primeval forests, the Forest Casentinesi. The dense woodland harbors towering silver fir, centuries-old beech, mountain maple and European aspen.
Monasteries can be found in coastal locations, hilltop villages and major cities like Florence.
A nearby castle is one of the most famous in Casentino and was mentioned by Dante in his writing. It is an esteemed example of sacred medieval architecture. The hill town of Poppi is home to the 13th century Castello dei Conti Guidi, seat of the Guidi counts who ruled the Casentino until the middle of the 15th century. The castle is a massive structure and one of Tuscany’s best preserved buildings. It is accented by a boldly conceived staircase and spacious main chamber. The frescoed chapel (Taddeo Gaddi) adds a note of distinction to the second floor. The library shelters priceless incunabula and manuscripts.
For more information click here: Monasteries of Italy
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Tags: abbey, Casentino, Castello dei Conti Guidi, convent, cortona, Eileen Barish, italy, lodging, monastery, Monastery Lodging, monastery stays, monk, Museo Etrusco, nun, Pisa, Siena, tuscany
Written by eileen on July 25th, 2010
The appeal of the maison can be attributed to the compelling landscapes of the region
The appeal of the maison can be attributed to the compelling landscapes of the region. Located in a small market town, it is a maze of old streets. Its markets and fairs are some of the most important in the region. On a steep bluff overlooking one end of the town is the 11th century keep of the Chateau St.-Etienne, locale of the fascinating Musee des Volcans.
The Maison is within the Massif Central, a dense cluster of mountain ranges covering nearly 33,000 square miles and encompassing almost a sixth of France. It is a place where rivers run through impressive gorges and forests range from dense woodlands to spacious oak groves. France’s most diverse geological region, the Massif Central is home to the Parc Naturel Regional des Volcans where several hundred volcanoes can be seen. These magnificent geological features are linked by high plateaux and vast flows of lava eroded by glaciers dating back to the Quaternary period. As an interesting aside, no two volcanoes are the same, a fact quickly revealed in the park. Among the different types, scoria cones are the most common. Also known as Strombolian cones, they are easy to recognize. The crate sits atop a cone formed by a “scoria,” the volcanic spray and pozzolan spray thrown out during an eruption. “Maars” are circular crates that can measure several hundred yards in diameter. The ash, blocks of earth and volcanic spray thrown out by the explosion are left around the crates in the shape of a ring or crescent and form the maar. Dome volcanoes are often formed following very violent eruptions. After the initial eruption that opens the crater in the ground, the lava rises to the surface. Since it is too thick to flow, it accumulates to form a dome. Lastly, “Planezes” are very old lava flows transformed into low plateaux.
Due north of the maison, the 16th century town of Salers crowns a steep escarpment. Classed as one of “The Most Beautiful Villages in France,” Salers reflects its 16th century heyday in cobblestone streets, 15th century ramparts and handsome Renaissance houses of gray volcanic stone, many with pepper-pot turrets, mullion windows, towers and carved lintels. The structures completely encircle Grande Place and remain as examples of the extraordinary architecture of that period.
For more information: Monasteries of France
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Written by eileen on July 13th, 2010
I didn't have a picture of the monastery so I thought I'd show you my dog Cooper carrying my coffee mug.
Facing the sea, the monastery is secluded in its own parkland. Founded in the 16th century, it preserves a small museum of sacred art. It is situated in one of the great old Breton ports built on the slopes of a steep valley. An 11th century castle and a circuit of walls originally protected the town although little is left of either. In the old part of town, however, the cobbled streets and ancient houses evoke the town’s medieval past.
Brittany’s ancient Celtic name was Armorica – land beside the sea. A seascape comprised of 750 miles of glorious Atlantic coastline it is highlighted by hundreds of bays and inlets rimmed by stunning high cliffs and fine sandy beaches. Small fishing ports where brightly painted boats nestle beneath half-timbered or stone houses dot the entire region. Like many a seafaring place, Brittany is a land of legends, from mysterious megaliths to Merlin the Magician, legends imparted in a tableau of forests and castles and elaborately carved stone churches.
The waters of the English Channel around Roscoff experience a tidal phenomenon. Twice a day coastal landscapes change as the tide goes relentlessly in and out, the result of the combined action of the moon and sun. The gravitational pull that these two heavenly bodies exert on the sea causes the tide to withdraw from the coast. The tide goes back approximately six hours later, covering scenery that just a short time before had been left exposed. When the earth, moon and sun are in syzygy (lined up in a row), a maximum pull results in the extraordinary spring tides. The rise and fall during this time is a rare and magical sight.
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Tags: abbey, Armorica, Brittany, convent, Eileen Barish, English Channel, France, lodging, monastery, Monastery Lodging, monastery stays, monastery vacations, monastery vaction, monk, nun, Roscoff
Written by eileen on June 26th, 2010
Conveniently located in a popular northern suburb of London, the retreat house is minutes from the heart of London.
Conveniently located in a popular northern suburb of London, the retreat house is about forty minutes from the heart of London. It is also very close to St. Albans, an appealing old market town particularly compelling because of the Roman settlement of Verulamium, the first Roman municipium in Britain. At one time Verulamium was the third largest town in Roman Britain. The story of this ancient place is told at the Verulamium Museum in a large park at the western edge of St. Albans. There are interpretive and interactive exhibits built around the archaeological digs that detail every aspect of life in Roman times. The parkland covers much of the ancient metropolis that still possesses Roman walls and intricate, colorful mosaics preserved in situ.
Close to the House, Berkhamsted is an attractive market town set in a lush green valley. It was the place where William the Conqueror took the Throne of England from the Saxons in 1066. There is a lovely old High Street with several noted buildings. To the rear of High Street lies the picturesque Grand Union Canal. Its most scenic part is where the canal passes King’s Road, taking in old bridges and lofty warehouse buildings before heading through ancient locks on its journey to the countryside.
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