Cloistered Monastery of Santa Maria, Claro

The Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria above Claro is the oldest monastery in Ticino. It stands alone on a rocky outcrop above the town of Claro, surrounded by chestnut woods. Its high and tranquil position affords magnificent views over the Valle Riviera. The church dedicated to the Madonna dates back to 1300 whereas the monastery was founded in 1490. Within its walls the nuns continue to dedicate their lives to worship in almost total seclusion, dedicating their lives to their faith and prayer but also to practical activities such as embroidery, biscuit and honey making and book restoring. The route climbs upwards, following the signposted mule track that starts near the small church of Sant’Ambrogio. Following this track is like stepping back in time, like the metaphor of a life: sometimes challenging, full of bends and forks, leading you away from hectic daily life towards silence.