Our journey begins with two extraordinary monasteries located in the northern part of Italy. The first stop is Santa Caterina del Sasso, picturesquely located on a rocky cliff above Lake Maggiore. This place impresses not only with its architecture, but especially with its incredible location. The monastery, built in the 13th century, looks as if it is rising from the rock, offering breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding Alps.

For families with children, Santa Caterina del Sasso offers many activities. You can get here in three ways: the traditional way up the stairs (268 steps), by elevator (extra charge, but free for the disabled) or arrive by boat. The journey itself already becomes an adventure! Inside the monastery, beautiful frescoes and the fascinating history of the hermitage await you. Children will surely be delighted to explore this unusual place, and parents will appreciate the tranquility and spiritual atmosphere.

The next point on our trip is the Abbey of Monte Maria (Abbazia di Monte Maria), located in the picturesque Val Venosta valley. It is the highest Benedictine monastery in Europe, offering incredible views of the Alpine peaks. The abbey, founded in the 12th century, is a true treasure trove of art and history.

A visit to the abbey is a fascinating history lesson for the whole family. Of particular interest is the crypt with Romanesque paintings, although it is worth remembering that the tour is only guided (in German or Italian) and, unfortunately, no photos can be taken. This is an excellent opportunity to teach children respect for historical sites and the rules of visiting them.

Comparing the two sites, Santa Caterina del Sasso offers a more scenic location and is more easily accessible to families with small children or those with limited mobility thanks to the elevator. Monte Maria Abbey, on the other hand, impresses with its monumentality and richer educational offerings, although the tour may be more challenging for the youngest due to the need to participate in an organized tour.

It is worth noting that both places enjoy high ratings among visitors - Santa Caterina del Sasso has an average rating of 4.7, while Monte Maria Abbey has a 4.5. Ticket prices vary - admission to Santa Caterina del Sasso is free (only the elevator is charged), while a tour of Monte Maria Abbey including the museum costs about €27 per person, which can be a significant expense for a larger family.

Regardless of your choice, both sites guarantee an unforgettable experience and are the perfect start to our family adventure through the medieval monasteries of Italy.

Our journey now takes us to central Italy, where we will discover two more fascinating monasteries: the Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere and the Cistercian Abbey of Chiaravalle di Fiastra. Each of these places offers unique experiences and history lessons for the whole family.

The Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere, located in the Abruzzo region, is a true gem of Romanesque architecture. Built almost a thousand years ago, the abbey impresses not only with its architecture, but also with its spectacular location overlooking the Adriatic Sea. It's the perfect place for families who want to combine learning history with relaxing in nature.

Children will appreciate the opportunity to explore the monastery's extensive gardens, while parents can enjoy the beauty of the Romanesque architecture. The two-story temple and cloisters are particularly noteworthy. After the tour, the family can relax in the bar overlooking the sea, a perfect end to the trip.

The next stop is the Cistercian Abbey of Chiaravalle di Fiastra, located in the Marche region. This place is a true paradise for history and nature lovers. The abbey, founded in the 12th century, offers not only a fascinating museum, but also extensive green areas ideal for family walks and picnics.

A visit to the abbey is a trip back in time. The museum features an interesting exhibition on winemaking, which may be of interest to adult family members. An attraction for children will certainly be the extensive gardens with an English lawn, where you can relax in the shade of the trees.

Comparing the two sites, the Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere stands out for its picturesque location overlooking the sea, which may be particularly appealing to families planning to combine sightseeing with relaxing on the beach. Chiaravalle di Fiastra Abbey, on the other hand, offers a more extensive tourist infrastructure with restaurants, cafes and recreational areas, making it an excellent destination for a day trip.

Both abbeys enjoy high ratings among visitors - both San Giovanni in Venere and Chiaravalle di Fiastra have an average rating of 4.7. As for prices, admission to San Giovanni in Venere is free, making it an attractive option for families traveling on a budget. Chiaravalle di Fiastra Abbey charges €5 for entry to the museum and former monastery, while entry to the church is free.

It is worth noting the availability of parking - there is ample parking at the Abbey of Chiaravalle di Fiastra, which is a great convenience for families traveling by car. For San Giovanni in Venere, parking can be more limited, especially during the tourist season.

Regardless of your choice, both sites offer unforgettable experiences and are a great way to introduce children to the history and culture of medieval Italy. They combine educational elements with opportunities for relaxation and outdoor play, making them ideal destinations for family trips.

To conclude our family journey through Italy's medieval monasteries, we will visit a true hidden gem - Certosa di Trisulti. Located in the Lazio region, this remarkable place offers a unique experience for the whole family, combining history, art and natural beauty.

Certosa di Trisulti, founded in 1204, is one of the best-preserved monastery complexes in Italy. Located 825 meters above sea level, in the heart of the Selva d'Ecio state forest, the monastery offers not only a fascinating lesson in history, but also the opportunity to commune with untouched nature.

For families with children, Certosa di Trisulti is a real adventure. The monastery complex, with its many courtyards, the church of San Bartolomeo and the picturesque crib, is a fascinating labyrinth to explore. Children are sure to enjoy exploring this 'magical' place, while parents will appreciate its tranquility and spiritual atmosphere.

One of the most interesting parts of the visit is the opportunity to see the works of Roman artist Riccardo Monachesi, which add a contemporary touch to the historic surroundings. This is an excellent opportunity to show children how modern art can coexist with centuries-old tradition.

When comparing Certosa di Trisulti with the previously discussed monasteries, several aspects are worth noting:

1. accessibility: unlike some of the more popular tourist destinations, Certosa di Trisulti offers a quieter and less crowded experience. It's an ideal destination for families looking for an authentic connection to history, away from the tourist crowds.

2 Price: Admission to Certosa di Trisulti is free, making it an attractive option for families traveling on a budget. Compared to some other monasteries, where you have to pay for admission or guided tours, this is a significant savings.

3 Surroundings: The monastery's location in the heart of the national forest offers unique opportunities to combine sightseeing with outdoor activities. This is a great opportunity for families to combine learning history with hiking or picnicking in a beautiful setting.

4 Visitor ratings: Certosa di Trisulti enjoys a high rating of 4.7, putting it on par with the best-rated monasteries in our guide.

However, it is worth keeping in mind a few limitations. Unlike some of the more developed tourist destinations, Certosa di Trisulti does not offer guided tours or audio guides. This can be a challenge for families who prefer a more structured tour. On the other hand, it offers the opportunity to discover and interpret the history of the place on your own, which can be a fascinating experience for children.

To sum up our journey through the medieval monasteries of Italy, each of the sites visited offers unique experiences and history lessons. From the picturesque Santa Caterina del Sasso, to the majestic Abbey of Monte Maria, the historic Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere, the sprawling Abbey of Chiaravalle di Fiastra, and the hidden gem of Certosa di Trisulti, each place has its own unique atmosphere and character.

When going on such a trip with the family, it is worth remembering to adapt the plan to the age and interests of the children. Some sites, like the Abbey of Chiaravalle di Fiastra or Certosa di Trisulti, offer more space for free exploration and play, which may be beneficial for younger children. Others, like Monte Maria Abbey, may be more suitable for older children, who are able to appreciate more detailed historical explanations.

Regardless of the destination chosen, such a trip through the medieval monasteries of Italy is not only a lesson in history and architecture, but also an opportunity for family time, discovering new places and creating shared memories. It is a trip that is sure to remain in the memory of the whole family for years to come.