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HOTEL OF THE MONTH
La Frateria di Padre Eligio - Cetona, Italy
La
Frateria di Padre Eligio
La
Frateria di Padre Eligio was created from the ruins of the 13th
century monastery of St. Francis, the first convent to be constructed
as a place of encounter and worship for the minor friars, built in
1212, just five years after the Saint’s conversion. The renovated
structure is a faithful restoration of medieval monastic architecture.
A community of young men and women who live and work here in
fellowship as they overcome drug addiction, alcohol abuse or other
spiritual crises, are responsible for this initiative, created by
Padre Eligio, a Franciscan priest. Energetic and caring, Padre Eligio
established Mondo X in answer to the growing need for recovery and
renewal for the troubled youth of today.
The restoration of the convent and the extensive gardens took
over fifteen years to complete. In
the process of rebuilding a convent, more than just stones were
brought back to life. The
community is a beautiful reflection of traditional convent life as
modelled by Italy’s beloved patron Saint over eight centuries ago.
This exemplary building is itself more than enough to draw visitors,
but the gardens are surely the dwelling place of angels.
From the shaded woodlands to the manicured rose gardens, from
the sunny vegetable plots to the fragrant herb gardens, one wanders in
total serenity. It is a garden perfumed with the scents of love,
forgiveness, and spiritual renewal.
These are the flowers of the seeds planted by Padre Eligio
thirty years ago, now in full bloom.
From early morning to early evening, the members of this
extraordinary community work devotedly at their chores, preserving the
convent and keeping up the guest rooms.
Countless hours and many hands are dedicated to tending the
land that provides the gifts for their tables.
The cuisine at La Frateria’s Restaurant is deservedly
renowned.
Guests
who have the good fortune to dine at La Frateria are indeed blessed.
Walter Tripodi, the head chef, has been in the kitchen for 23
years. Trained by
excellent chefs brought in by Padre Eligio, Walter has added to and
refined his cuisine to Michelin star standards and subsequently has
gone on to train many other young chefs.
The dining room is intimate and simply elegant – beautiful
religious art, fine linens, brass chargers, fresh flowers and
hand-written menus. The
tasting menu started with a lovely glass of the sparkling wine, made
from their vintage of Chardonnay and Pinot grapes. This accompanied an
antipasto of their cured meats, olive and caper pastes, and homemade
breads. Each one of the six courses that followed surprised and
delighted us, as Walter presented his unique combinations and artful
presentations of dishes made with ingredients cultivated on the land
surrounding the convent.
A sojourn in Paradise does not have to end at La Frateria Restaurant.
A wing of the monastery has been converted into a charming inn
– seven rooms, two of them suites, decorated with exquisite taste -
period furnishings, authentic sacred art, oriental rugs and samples of
the community’s fine crafts in travertine marble or wrought iron.
Breakfast is a private affair, served in a parlour overlooking
the gardens and valley beyond.
“The Friary” offers more than rooms with a view.
But the views are many, and in this silent and peaceful
retreat, one has time for inner reflection as well – a rare and
precious gift.
Read more...
For additional information please email:
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Copyright © by Ginda Simpson - Rooms with a View - All rights reserved - |