...a silent retreat
Castel del Monte
13-14-15 February 2026
Immersed in a place of rare beauty and symbolic meaning, participants will have the opportunity to internalise the mysticism of St. Teresa’s Interior Castle in a deep and profound way.
The atmosphere of Castel del Monte, with its harmonious geometry and unique light, becomes a metaphor for inner exploration — an invitation to journey through the spaces of the soul and to open oneself to an authentic and renewing spiritual experience.
The retreat offers an authentic and transformative experience, designed to nurture inner harmony and foster a deep balance between body, mind, and spirit.
Among the activities offered are:
Private guided tour of Castel del Monte
Lectio Mystica and Mystical Meditation within the castle
Sessions on St. Teresa of Avila's "Interior Castle"
Time for personal reflection
Celebration of the Holy Mass
Moments of silence and inner stillness
Each day is structured to offer a unique experience for nurturing your soul.
This retreat offers a precious opportunity to reconnect with peace and inspiration.
Its centerpiece is Castel del Monte, a place of extraordinary harmony and timeless allure.
A guided tour will reveal the castle’s fascinating history and secrets.
At the heart of the castle, a special session dedicated to St. Teresa of Ávila’s Interior Castle
will invite you to explore the depth of mystical life and to experience it today
Surrounding this central moment are meetings inspired by St. Teresa's mysticism,
rich in meaning and spiritual depth.
An experience of simplicity and light, where silence, beauty, and inner discovery
come together to renew the soul.
Take some time just for you - to listen to your inner voice, to nourish your deepest longing for peace and light.
Let these days become a precious space for reflection and rediscovery.
This retreat is a unique opportunity, a gift that can open a new chapter in your spiritual journey.
Through silence, heartfelt encounters, and the enchantment of Castel del Monte, you’ll find yourself awakening to new awareness and clarity. Choose to nurture your soul.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the retreat is the sense of friendship
among the participants that you will experience.
You will meet individuals who share your perspective on spiritual life
and your common aspiration for harmony, growth, and awareness.
Our community is wonderfully diverse, bringing together Italian and English speakers in an atmosphere of openness and unity.
The friendships born here often blossom into lasting sources of inspiration and mutual support,
extending far beyond the retreat days.
Secure your place today and enter a space of authenticity, peace, and depth.
This is a rare opportunity - a chance to experience one of the most significant and transformative moments of your spiritual journey.
Allow yourself this time: an experience
designed to awaken the soul and open new pathways of awareness.
Embrace the silence, the beauty, and the deep spirituality of this retreat
- a true step toward yourself and toward what really matters.
DETAILS
In Trani, within a former convent transformed into a four-star hotel, entirely dedicated to our retreat.
All rooms are reserved for single use, offering each participant an experience of deep silence and inner stillness.
What makes this retreat truly unique is the chance to live the theme of the Interior Castle inside one of the world’s most captivating and enigmatic sites: Castel del Monte.
A remarkable experience, where the castle's beauty and harmony reflect the inner life of the soul.
Here, one can journey into personal interiority, surrounded by precious silence, in a space that naturally calls for depth, reflection, and contemplation.
All in harmony
In an atmosphere of silence and reflection, participants will have the opportunity to experience a time of spiritual renewal.
Lectio Mystica and Mystic Meditation will guide the way to understanding and internalising the Interior Castle.
The heart of the retreat is the visit to Castel del Monte, a symbolic place of harmony and mystery.
There will also be opportunities to immerse oneself in prayer and contemplation through the celebration of Holy Mass.
Meals: sobriety and simplicity
Shared meals in silence provide a precious space for rest and peace.
The menu, entirely vegetarian and free of alcoholic beverages, aligns with an ascetic style typical of the mystical life.
The authentic cuisine of the Puglia region will make every meal even more special.
FRIDAY 13 FEBRUARY
15.00-16.00 Check-in
18.00-20.00 Welcome session (beginning of silence)
20.00 Dinner
21.00-22.00 Lectio Mystica
SATURDAY 14 FEBRUARY
7.30-8.15 Breakfast
8.45-9.15 Holy Mass
10.00 – 12.30 Lectio Mystica
13.00 Lunch
15.00 Private bus transfer to Castel del Monte
16.00-17.00 Private guided tour of Castel del Monte
17.30-19.00 Lectio Mystica
19.00-19.30 Mystic Meditation
20.00 Private bus transfer back to hotel
21.00 Dinner
SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY
7.30-9.00 Breakfast
9.30-10.30 Closing session
11.00 Holy Mass
Departures
The schedule may be subject to slight changes
WHO FACILITATES THE RETREAT?
Father Raffaele Di Muro, Franciscan priest, professor and scholar of mysticism with expertise in spirituality of saints and spiritual direction. He organises and facilitates spiritual retreats.
Beatrice Carafa d'Andria, Spiritual coach, meditation and mindfulness instructor, a scholar of spirituality, mysticism, and monastic life. She organises and facilitates spiritual retreats.
CASTEL DEL MONTE
HISTORY OF THE CASTLE
A unique architectural masterpiece, Castel del Monte rises in isolation atop a hill in the Murge region of Puglia. Its history is closely linked to Frederick II of Hohenstaufen, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Sicily.
Construction of the castle began around 1240 and continued until approximately 1250, but its original purpose remains a subject of debate among scholars.
The design and refinement of its architectural and sculptural elements suggest it was intended as a hunting residence for the emperor and his court, or as a symbolic and representative building, rather than a defensive fortress.
The geometric perfection and mathematical-astronomical precision of its forms reflect Frederick II’s vast culture and the fusion of influences that characterized his court: elements from Northern Europe (Cistercian Gothic), the Islamic world, and classical antiquity.
After Frederick II’s death in 1250, the castle lost its original function. Under Charles I of Anjou, it was used as a prison: in 1269, the sons of Manfred, Frederick II’s illegitimate son defeated by the Angevins, were imprisoned there. Later, it served as a place of refuge and was also used as a hospital during plagues.
In 1495, Ferdinand of Aragon stayed at the castle before being crowned King of the Two Sicilies in Barletta. Ownership later passed to Consalvo de Córdoba and, from 1552, to the Carafa family.
In 1876, the Italian State purchased the castle and undertook multiple restoration campaigns, gradually returning it to its former majesty.
In 1996, due to its exceptional universal value and its unique architecture reflecting the harmonious cultural fusion of the 13th century, Castel del Monte was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
THE RETREAT ORGANISER
CITTA’ DELLA MISTICA
The retreat is designed to nurture your inner harmony.
True harmony resides within you, and this retreat offers transformative experiences to cultivate it.
This retreat offers experiences that can profoundly transform you.
Immerse yourself in profound spiritual moments through lectio on the mystical life, guided meditations, personal prayer, and the visit to the castle.
Our aim is to foster in you a deep inner transformation, bringing harmony and meaning to your life.
English (UK) 
Italiano