Vallombrosa Center

ABOUT

Built during the Civil War period, the Vallombrosa Center is on a ten-acre site that was originally the home of E.W. Hopkins. At first it was a simple wooden structure, but was later expanded and decorated with its distinctive Italianate touches.

The center is graced by trees from all over the world.  The name “Vallombrosa” means “shady glen,” and refers to a beautiful forested area southeast of Florence, Italy. It was there in 1095 that St. John Gualbert established a monastery of Benedictine monks that survives to this day.  At one point in his life, John Milton visited that monastery, and he wrote of the “shady glens of Vallombrosa” in his Paradise Lost. The Vallombrosa Center was purchased by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco in 1947. The present facility was completed in 1964 Read more about the history of the Vallombrosa Center.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Vallombrosa’s residential facilities consist of 20 single rooms and 40 twin-bedded rooms. Each room has its own private bathroom equipped with safety bars.  Amenities include a cedar lined closet with ample space for guests’ clothing and a desk and chair.

MEALS

Meals will be served cafeteria style. Foods will be simple and nutritious which should serve for any food plan. If you have specific food allergies, please note this on the registration form. Meals include dinner on Friday, breakfast/lunch/dinner on Saturday, and breakfast/lunch on Sunday.