Religious institution - Monastero Benedettine
Santa Maria del Monte
Bevagna - Foligno

The Convent of the Benedictine Nuns of Santa Maria del Monte is placed in the historic centre of Bevagna, one of the most picturesque Umbrian towns. Founded by Ranaldo of the Counts Ranaldi in 1198 and situated in the open countryside, it received in 1244 the Rule of St. Benedict from the then Bishop of Spoleto Bartolomeo Accaraboni. The Convent was abandoned in the half of the 16th century because at that time there were many gangs of brigands that robbed and murdered, so it was extremely dangerous living in a solitary place: five nuns moved to the present structure, in the Andreozzi family's houses. In 1810 the Convent was suppressed by Napoleon, then was reopened in 1815 by pope Pio VII; it was closed again in 1860 by the Italian government, which confiscated all the nuns'property, and only after many years, and many sacrifices, the nuns succeeded in buying the Convent back. The Community of Santa Maria del Monte is open to welcome all people who want to stop temporarily the frenetic life-style of today and recover oneself in a peaceful and familiar atmosphere. The nuns do all that is possible to offer their spiritual assistance to the guests who ask for it. Families and groups are accepted Courses for students in various scholastic disciplines (Vacation-Study-Work courses) Study - Psychological advice seminars Language courses for foreigners The cuisine is simple, genuine and abundant The Convent, recently restored, maintaining its ancient structures, consists of 30 comfortable and well-furnished bedrooms, all with private facilities.