Story: A peaceful and historic retreat

Finding oneself again through sharing

Surrounded by linden and chestnut forests, the ancient Bigorio Convent in Capriasca offers a unique Bed and Breakfast, perfect for those seeking peace and renewal.

In the heart of beautiful Capriasca, perched on a secluded promontory, surrounded by a dense forest of lime and chestnut trees, stands the ancient Bigorio Convent. Maintained by a small community of Capuchin friars, it houses an original Bed and Breakfast that welcomes those who wish to regenerate body and mind and appreciate the shared space.

THE CHARACTER

Michele Ravetta, friar of the Convent

Bigorio stands out for the shared spaces: people live alongside us here.

THE STORY IN VIDEO

Experience the timeless charm of the Monastery of Bigorio: where history and hospitality come together!

As soon as you walk through the imposing entrance door, you breathe in an atmosphere of warmth and tranquillity. The thick stone walls of the hermitage enclose centuries of history. Founded in 1535, Santa Maria dei Frati Cappuccini Convent belongs to the Capuchin Order. Since 1967 it has been a place of spiritual and cultural learning with a long tradition of hospitality. Brother Michele Ravetta studied pharmaceutical chemistry and theology, and is a social worker by profession. In addition to celebrating Mass, Michele is in charge of visits, sometimes of welcoming guests at the Ar Convént Bed and Breakfast, and of all those little tasks that make for a unique stay in this large house, where everyone is welcome.

Michele has no doubts, the hallmark of the convent, where he has been living since 2010, is the sharing of spaces. Unlike other monasteries and abbeys, visitors here live alongside the friars. Refectories, prayer rooms and corridors are all shared with the community. Of course, the friars also have private spaces, and so do the guests, who can choose from several options.

Over the years, many people have come up to Bigorio: from the Swiss Federal Council, to former Italian President Francesco Cossiga, to the Cardinal of Genoa. Those who come to the convent want to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, to slow down and find peace. Inside the hermitage lies a spectacular library preserving valuable ancient texts.

Silence is the best way to rediscover your identity.

In addition to accommodation, a packed calendar of events and activities for the general public completes what the convent has to offer. One of these is the silence retreat. Organised four times a year, it is open to those wishing to rediscover themselves.

In summer, the lush terraced gardens host elegant “Garden Dining” evenings. Before dinner, you can also enjoy a yoga session in the convent chapel.

The convent chapel, once a simple woodshed, was inaugurated in 1967. It was designed by architect Tita Carloni assisted by a young Mario Botta. It was a great overhaul in such an ancient convent, especially because very simple materials were used.

Bigorio has unique energy, recognised for its atmosphere conducive to meditation and spiritual reflection. The chapel is the most remote place in the convent, you can’t hear anything, it’s a kind of womb where people are truly at peace.
Bigorio is a place of passage. People arriving, people leaving, people returning. There is always someone ringing the front doorbell.