Location
​
This training will take place at the La Croce Retreat Center in Casentino, Italy. La Croce is a beautifully situated south facing farmhouse in the Casentino National Park, in Tuscany.
It stands at 650 meters up on a ridge between two valleys along which run two rivers, tributaries to the Arno. It nestles into the slopes of Mount Penna, the sacred mountain at the summit of which lies the Verna monastery, and through which passed the ancient Via Roma, once connecting the people from Italy to Rome. Being within a safe haven of the national park, the area is rich with wild flowers and fauna and full of wild life, such as boar, deer, various birds of prey, porcupines, and wolves which can often be heard calling at night. There are two natural springs on the property from which Three Treasures Yoga collects all unadulterated mountain water. The house lies on the footpath which joins up the two most important medieval monasteries, Camaldoli and the Sanctuary of Chiusi della Verna where San Francesco reportedly received his Stigmata. There are roughly 30 hectares of oak, beech, and chestnut forest with some pasture land belonging to the property.
Accommodation
​
During this training, you will stay either in a shared room or a bell tent at the La Croce Retreat Center. You can choose to stay either in a shared occupancy standard room or in the camp site where you will be accommodated in a large bell tent with real beds and all comforts. There are several shower and toilets in the house and outside the main building.
The traditionally built house is made of local stone, with a large converted barn used for running retreats. The upstairs barn has plain wooden floors and is perfect for yoga practice, dance, meditation, or martial arts.
Downstairs there is a large living space with a corner kitchen, a large dining area, two showers, and two toilets. During the good weather, there is an 80 square meters wooden platform covered from direct sunlight just below the house, which has a wonderful view into the mountains.
​
​
You can find more details about the house at casalacroce.weebly.com
​
​
​
The Farmhouse
​
The farmhouse itself can accommodate between 14 and 16 people comfortably with four reasonable sized bedrooms, each room sleeping up to three people, and one large dormitory style bedroom sleeping six. During the summer months, there is a perfectly suitable camping area with water and electrical facilities just behind the house. The area is well shaded and a wonderfully quiet haven to retreat to.
There are two indoor showers and bathrooms within the main building plus the two showers and toilets in the barn itself. There are also three sun heated outdoor showers and a fully functioning outdoor toilet.
There is a washing machine and internet facilities. The interior is simple and, as much as possible, plastic free. All cleaning materials and personal hygiene products are biodegradable so as not to contaminate the environment.
The kitchen is convenient and spacious and can easily cater for up to 35 to 40 people full board. There are tables outside to eat from during the summer months.