Has anyone travelling to Italy ever stayed in a convent?

I'm considering another trip to Florence in the fall and since I am travelling with my female travel buddy I thought this might be a good deal. I hear they are reasonable and seem to be close to everything I'd want to walk to.

Anyone have any personal experiences with this type of accommodations? I'm not one looking for glitzy hotels, altho I would want a private bath. And I hear the food is pretty good in these places also (what can be bad, it's Italy).

Actually, it sounds pretty cool to me...

:D

at pilgrim's albergues, which aren't the top of the line in guest accomodations, but I've yet to stay at one that was dirty or had manky bathrooms. :)

Most also have guesthouses & those pilgrims lucky enough to score a room (as opposed to a bunk in a dorm) rave about them. You might have to share a bath. It's no biggie.

dg

stayed in one. I hear that they don't even force you to go to Mass, which is a good thing as that would kill the deal for me...

It was interesting and comfortable. There was a language barrier, but in general a fine experience. You are right, the food was good.

and taken several trips to Italy but never had to really use it. That would be helpful...

The Sisters of St.Joseph, in fact the place was immaculately clean and even had a shower...
The food was very good and they grew their own and had livetsock too.

I'd love to hear about your plans...I've only been to Florence once and I realy want to return...

elsewhere, or just to go for the day.

We are going to hit all the museums, galleries, walk the streets, enjoy no crowds, etc.

We have several days in Venice; train to Florence where we stay for almost a week in a private palazzo that's been reworked as a small hotel (family artwork, we hear); train to Lake Como for two nights; train
back to Venice and fly home. Two weeks.

Hubby is a major history buff and he's my tour guide. I may actually keep a journal of this trip.
I'll PM you re highlights on our return after 19 March--and recovery from jet lag.

HOpe you will go to Padua to see the Giottos. Ravenna is also amazing. And Verona, I loved Verona! Che bella citta!

Lake Como, lucky you. I was at Lake Maggiore and I really loved it. Nice place. Beautiful architecture. Say hi to George Clooney for me!

I'm hyped about this trip. I really missed a lot about Florence when Iwas there in 06. I need a real refresher and this may be just what I need.

Please DO pm me about your trip. I love this kind of stuff!

Buon viaggio!

It was actually a hospital in WWII and then they converted it to a convent and then started letting out some of the rooms because they couldn't get enough nuns anymore.

It was really basic (paint peeling off the walls) but atmospheric and super-cheap. The nuns were in a different wing so it's not like they were in your face about anything.

Actually I stayed in a monastery in China too and it was one of the best vegetarian meals I've ever had.

had a big room with a big bath, very nice. The nuns did not speak English but my husband speaks Italian (I can order in a restaurant, take cabs, etc., but not carry on much of a conversazione.) We didn't get meals there but you probably would in some convents; I've had good food in the U.S. at convents. Actually, they may serve meals in Cortona in the regular season. We were there in January and a friend in Florence had called and convinced them to let us stay so we were the only guests. We've been to Florence seven times, stayed in a pensionato in an old cloister in the Oltrarno and in two small hotels across the river, all of them run by members of the same family (no, not that kind of family!)and always had a room with private bath. If you want names, PM me.

expect lingere pillow fights every night. And maybe more. :P

Actually, I think the whole thing will be a different kind of adventure. If it is awful, I can always go find a hotel...