The Guide to Lodging in Italy's Monasteries [Paperback]

Eileen Barish (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1999

This book takes the reader beyond overpriced, overrated packaged tours to destinations of wonder, history, flavor, culture, and art. Instead of remaining outsiders destined only for tourist traps, visitors can now be steeped in Italian life during a unique sojourn in an Italian monastery.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

"Monasteries," Barish writes, "are an integral part of Italy's history and heritage and symbolize the incredibly diverse Italian culture." By conducting extensive research at each monastery, Barish has compiled a directory of detailed, precise information for a unique Italian experience: an inexpensive travel alternative to staying in big-name hotels. Each listing provides a history of the monastery, its artwork, and products as well as local events. The travel informationAaccommodations, amenities, cost, directions by car/train/plane, and contact names and addressesAis clearly written. Barish also adds a personal touch by including reservation form letters written in English and Italian. The photographs accompanying each listing are enticing and breathtakingly beautiful. More detailed and easier to use than June and Anne Walsh's Bed and Blessings Italy: A Guide to Convents and Monasteries Available for Overnight Lodging (LJ 11/15/98), this directory is highly recommended for public libraries.AStephanie Papa, Baltimore Cty. Circuit Court Lib.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Being a guest at a monastery brings the tourist closer to the Italian people, to our food, lifestyle, country and language. -- Sister Francesca

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Product Details

• Paperback: 524 pages
• Publisher: Pet Friendly Productions (1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1884465137
• ISBN-13: 978-1884465130
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #699,328 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good reference, May 10, 2003

By 

Timothy R. Adams (Chicago, Illinois United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Guide to Lodging in Italy's Monasteries (Paperback)

I absolutely disagree with the book's critics. (CORRECTED)

We have used this book to identify lodging possibilities on several trips to Italy. I have found the contact information a good starting point. Perhaps I an showing my age, but I never rely on only one source for any information. We verify everything.

Every directory has some minor flaws. That's why you need to use information from directories with an open mind. For example, on one occasion, a fax number was answered repeatedly by a human. On a hunch, I sent the fax to the "voice" number, and it was promptly answered by the fax. Either the numbers were switched in the directory, or the numbers were correct and the equipment was switched. Either way, no problem. In another case, we found that one convent had been severaly damaged by an earthquake and was not accepting reservations.

As far as the rooms go, we have stayed in over 10 Italian convents and monasteries in the last few years. Some were relatively modern and some date back to the 11th century. Generally, convents and monasteries are in the old sections of the cities and provide more realistic experiences within the culture.

We do not expect the convents and monasteries to be a four-star hotels, nor have several hundred Euro nightly rates. Most of the rooms were modest. (One was luxurious, even by US standards.) All had modern bathrooms in the room, (except one which was 10 feet down the hall). All were very clean and orderly with good security. Some had late (or no) curfews. Some even had television.

We are quite satisfied with the accommodations because we use our room only for reflection and rest, and spend most of the time exploring Italian culture and history.

As far as getting more information on the portential lodgings, we simply plug the name of the convent into a search engine and often we are directed to a web-site for that facility, or at least that order. If you score a hit with the search engine, you may be able to conduct your transactions on-line or via e-mail. But, again, the information in this guide helps you get started with your research, by giving you the names and locations.

This book simply starts you in the right direction by telling you where to look. If I expected all my questions to be answered without having to do research, I'd consult a travel agent.

Please keep in mind that it may be helpful to send faxes during Italian business hours. Some of the convents and monasteries seem to turn their faxes off during their night-time hours. This was quite aggravating until I figured it out and send my faxes (successfully) at a different hour. Also, if there is a technical problem, their fax may be out of service for several days (or longer).

Buon viaggio, signori e signore!

70 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars sophistication on the budget, September 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Guide to Lodging in Italy's Monasteries (Paperback)

I originally bought the book because I needed suggestions for low cost accomodations for my next trip.After I read the book,I ended up planning the whole vacation around the theme "Monasteries in Italy".The brief but rich info on the history,art,location,traditions,makes the monasteries and convents in this book a most desirable spot to visit for themselves.The author gives all the practical info needed (price, directions, people to contact, restrictions that may apply)for a successful lodging in the most sought after locations in Italy , as well as in the most remote,pristine places.This book is by far the richest and the most helpful when it comes to convent lodgings in Italy.

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars useful guide to alternative accomodation, October 5, 2001

By 

Robert J. Crawford (Balmette Talloires, France) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Guide to Lodging in Italy's Monasteries (Paperback)

You can stay in monasteries - not as a religious retreat - in Italy for very little money and easy availability. This book is the best resource available for it in English.

However, as a guide book, the info it offers beyond addresses and telephone numbers, is not great. These places vary greatly in quality and price. Moreover, no directions to get to them - and they are in odd corners of Italy! - are offered, which means you will have trouble EVERY time you try to find one.

Recommended, but make sure you have a bevy of other guide books with you for more detailed info.