Castello di Villalta
July 17 -20, 2025
The retreat is conducted in both Italian and English and offers a harmonious blend of prayer and personal transformation.
Among the activities offered are:
Daily prayer
Guided meditations
Mindfulness practices
Participation in meetings on Inner Freedom
Inner freedom in St. Teresa of Avila's "Interior Castle"
The experience of silence and recollection
Guided visit of the castle
Walks around the castle grounds
Each day is structured to offer a unique experience for nurturing your soul.
Imagine the experience of staying in one of Italy's most beautiful castles, admiring its refined architecture and precious works of art. Now, you too can be part of this enchanting world. Breathe in the atmosphere of bygone eras and rediscover the spiritual energy for your journey. This dream can become reality with our spiritual retreat from July 17th to 20th, 2025. A unique experience, designed to nourish your mind, body, and spirit, immersed in a profoundly spiritual environment among the gentle Friulian hills.
The heart of this retreat is the nurturing of your inner harmony.
True harmony comes from within, and this retreat offers experiences that can deepen it.
Immerse yourself in a spiritual journey rich in unique experiences: guided meditations, rejuvenating walks in nature, moments of profound prayer, and reflections on Inner Freedom.
Our goal is to accompany you on a deep journey of inner transformation, aimed at renewing every aspect of your life.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the retreat is the sense of friendship among the participants.
You will meet people who share your way of "feeling" the spiritual life and your same intention
of harmony, growth, and awareness.
The friendships you cultivate during these days will be a source of inspiration and support, extending beyond the retreat.
The retreat at the Villalta Castle is a unique opportunity to experience spiritual life
while focusing on your inner transformation.
Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to book early.
By participating in the retreat, you will enter into the beauty of your inner life and embark
on a transformative journey
that will leave you inspired, renewed, and inwardly strengthened.
This is made possible through discovering and experiencing Inner Freedom.
Seize the opportunity to dedicate four days to prayer, meditation, inner nourishment,
friendship, and silence in one of Italy's most suggestive castles.
DETAILS
The retreat's distinctive feature lies in the harmonious blend of communal activities and personal meditation. Specifically, morning and evening communal prayers alternate with contemplative practices and lectures on Inner Freedom, designed to enrich one's inner being.
Guided Meditations take place both inside the castle and outside in its suggestive gardens, fostering both external and internal silence.
In keeping with the ascetic tradition of the mystical life, a sober diet is provided. The vegetarian menu, free of alcohol, offers an opportunity for spiritual elevation and a life of simplicity.
All in harmony
The retreat itinerary is meticulously designed to foster a harmonious balance between prayer, meditation, silence, self-care, and spiritual growth. Each day begins with outdoor vitality exercises, followed by insightful lectures and practices on Inner Freedom.
Ample time is allocated for exploring the park, visiting the castle's grounds, and engaging with its dedicated caretakers. The day concludes with serene evening prayer and guided meditation amidst the evocative ambiance of the hanging gardens, surrounded by the castle's historic battlements.
Meals: sobriety and simplicity
Meals will be served in the castle's historic dining room, a truly evocative setting.
The menu, exclusively vegetarian and free of alcoholic beverages, aligns with the ascetic tradition characteristic of inner freedom. Furthermore, you will have the unique opportunity to experience the transformative power of sharing meals in silence.
Thursday, July 17th
16:00-17:00 Check-in
18:00-19.30 Welcome and introduction to the retreat
20:00-20:30 Evening prayer
20:30-21:15 Dinner
21:30-22:00 Mystical Meditation in the garden
22:00 Rest
Friday, July 18th
7:00-7:30 Vitality exercises in the garden
07:30 Coffee/Tea
8:00-8:30 Morning prayer
08:30-09:00 Breakfast
9:30-10:30 Guided visit of castle
10:30-11:00 Coffee break
11:00-13:00 Inner Freedom (Introduction to period of silence and "mindful eating")
13:00-14:00 Silent Mindful Lunch
14:00-16:00 Silence
16:00-18:30 Lecture and practice: Inner Freedom
18:30-19:00 Mindful Walk
19:30-20:00 Evening prayer
20:00-20:30 Silence
20:30-21:15 Silent Mindful dinner
21:30-22:00 Mystical Meditation in the garden
22:00 Rest
Saturday, July 19th (in silence)
7:00-7:30 Vitality exercises in the garden
07:30 Coffee/Tea
8:00-8:30 Morning prayer
08:30-09:00 Breakfast
9:30-10:30 Guided meditation
10:30-11:00 Coffee break
11:00-13:00 Lecture and practice: Inner Freedom
13:00-14:00 Silent Mindful Lunch
14:00-16:00 Silence
16:00-18:30 Lecture and practice: Inner Freedom
18:30-19:00 Mindful Walk
19:30-20:00 Evening prayer
20:00-20:30 Silence
20:30-21:15 Silent Mindful dinner
21:30-22:00 Guided Mystical meditation in garden and end of period of silence
22:00 Rest
Sunday, July 20th
7:00-7:30 Vitality exercises in the garden
07:30 Coffee/Tea
8:00-8:45 Holy Mass
09:30-09:30 Breakfast
10:00-11:00 Lecture and practice: Inner Freedom
11:00-11:30 Coffee break
11:30-13:00 Inner Freedom: closing session
13:00-14:00 Lunch
15:00 Departures
The schedule may be subject to slight changes
"Early Bird" before March 1st, 2025
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.
About the Monastery
The History of the Castle of Villalta
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Friulian plain, the imposing silhouette of the Castle of Villalta dominates the landscape.
Its rich history dates back to the year 1158, as evidenced by one of the earliest known documents pertaining to the castle. Throughout the centuries, the castle has witnessed periods of both prosperity and decline. It was significantly expanded in the early 16th century, resulting in a structure of monumental proportions. The castle's imposing fortifications, including double walls, fortified walkways, and defensive towers, stand as a testament to its grandeur and strategic significance.
Over the centuries, the Castle of Villalta has experienced various historical events, including periods of military occupation and restoration efforts. Notably, in the early 21st century, a significant restoration project was undertaken, returning the castle to its former glory.
The park
The castle's park, which surrounds the ancient walls, is a veritable oasis of beauty. The park's diverse flora and fauna create a captivating spectacle that changes with the seasons. In spring, the park is adorned with vibrant wildflowers, while in summer, it offers a refreshing escape from the heat. The park's pathways wind through lush greenery, leading to scenic viewpoints that offer breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside.
The Castle of Villalta is not only a historical landmark but also a productive agricultural estate. The castle's lands yield a variety of high-quality products, including olive oil, wine, honey, fruit, and handcrafted items. These products showcase the region's rich agricultural heritage and offer visitors a taste of the local flavors. The Castle of Villalta is a true gem of the Friulian landscape, a place steeped in history, natural beauty, and cultural significance.
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 moments of spiritual introspection through peaceful walks in the park, guided meditations, moments of prayer, and insightful lectures and practices on Inner Freedom.
that will result in a harmonious and peaceful life.
"Early Bird" before March 1st, 2025
English (UK) 
Italiano