Torba Monastery (Monastero di Torba)

The basics

Set amid peaceful woodlands, this monastic site is part of a multi-location UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes examples of Lombardian architecture scattered all across mainland Italy. The Torba Monastery complex encompasses several structures, including a Roman-era tower, small 11th-century church, courtyard, and stable.

Visitors can book tickets in advance and explore independently. A visit to the Torba Monastery is best combined with a visit to the Castelseprio Archaeological Park, which was originally part of the same network of Roman defenses.

Things to know before you go

• Torba Monastery is a must-do for history buffs.
• Loose gravel pathways run around the site, and there is no elevator in the tower, making wheelchair access difficult.
• There is a restaurant on-site and plenty of areas suitable for picnicking on the grounds.

How to get there

Torba Monastery is in the Lombardy region of northwest Italy, about an hour’s drive from Milan. The nearest train station is in Tradade, about a 10-minute taxi ride from the monastery.

When to get there

Check opening times in advance of your visit as the site may occasionally close for special events. Go at lunchtime to take advantage of the on-site restaurant. The restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and Saturday night for dinner.

History of the site

Originally built to serve as a military outpost for the Romans, the monastery was later inhabited by the Goths and Byzantines. It was taken over by the Lombards—a Germanic tribe also known as the Longobards who conquered Italy’s southern peninsula—in the late seventh century. Benedictine nuns resided here until the late 15th century.