Local culture: Local activities
Camaldolese Monastery & Polish Vineyard
What is the local activity?
The Camaldolese Order is one of the strictest religious orders in the Catholic Church. Monks get up at night, pray all the time, think only about God and eternity, they live in hermitages and meet only for prayers. They can talk to each other only three times a week: on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. There is no radio or TV in the monastery, holiday leaves & family visits are not permitted. They gather for communal meals only a few times a year.
It is one of my favourite places on earth, it is really hard to describe with words the serenity and ambience of this truly unique monastery. Not to mention spectacular views over Vistula Valley.
At the foot of the O.O. monastery Camaldolese is situated one of the largest vineyards in Poland - The Srebrna Góra, which refers to the history of Krakow's wine growing and monastery tradition of wine production dating back to the early 10th century. Here you can have an organized tour combined with local wine tasting.
What to consider before participating in this local activity
Admission:
Men are admitted throughout the year, when the doors open, i.e., from 10 am to 11am, and from 3pm to 4:30pm, while women are allowed on the premises only 12 days a year; they are:
Easter Sunday
Easter Monday
3 May
Pentecost (Descent of the Holy Spirit Sunday, Whitsunday)
Pentecost Monday (Whit Monday)
First Sunday following 19 June
2nd Sunday of July
4th Sunday of July.
15 August (Assumption of the Blessed Virgin)
8 September (Nativity of the Blessed Virgin)
25 December (Christmas)
Access: bus line number 109 from city center, drop off station: Bielany Klasztor
57-215 Srebrna Góra, Polska