In the Company of Angels

Any visit to Italy engenders a feeling of well-being – the fine climate, the informal style of living, good food and additionally the country’s unique and ancient culture, which can be found everywhere. Nowhere is that ancient culture more in evidence than in Rome, the heart of a vast Empire that stretched from Mesopotamia in the east to Portugal in the west. However, there is a spiritual side to Rome too and what could be more appropriate than a short stay in a convent, the Order of St. Joseph of the Apparition, enviably located on a hill within 15 minutes’ walking distance from the Vatican City – indeed overlooking the gardens of the Basilica itself.

Some time ago the nuns decided to convert a section of their school into a guesthouse with the proceeds going to charity. The enterprise has turned out to be a huge success given its low tariff and location. The guesthouse goes by the name of Casa per Ferie of St Emily of Vialar and has 21 twin rooms with private facilities. Each single room shares facilities with one adjoining single. There is a chapel, lounges, a breakfast room and lovely gardens. This is definitely not for disco addicts as it is a pre-requisite that you adhere to the nuns’ 11pm curfew! A half-day private walking tour is offered each day, commencing with a bus journey from your lodging and ending in town. No single room supplement applies at the Casa per Ferie.