The monk’s pantry: where to indulge your tastebuds

Believe it or not, monasteries are one of the best places to treat your tastebuds in Lombardy. The monks channel all of their wisdom and diligence into producing delicious, authentic projects that are perfect for treating a special someone – or yourself – at the end of your journey.

So how do you know where to look? Abbeys, convents and monasteries often have a shop where visitors can buy items, but if you're in search of something really special then it's definitely worth stopping off at the Chiaravalle Monastery in Milan. It's a veritable promised land for foodies! The delicacies on offer come from a range of monasteries in Italy and around the world, with sauces, crostini, biscuits, preserves and aromatic herbs all for sale. Local monks are behind the liqueurs, wines, mead, craft beer and chocolate, while the Azienda Agricola Rurale supplies the fruit and veg.

Another top tip is the Comunità Vangelo e Zen in Galgagnano-Cervignano d'Adda, where Xaverian brothers and Zen monks live side by side, producing garden products, conserves and honey. The same type of products are available at the Nostra Signora dell'Annunciazione Monastery in Laveno.

The Abbazia di Morimondo produces tempting wines and honeys, while the monks of the Visitazione di Santa Maria Monastery dedicate their time to growing fruit and vegetables.

Come with us on our religious tourism experience and you'll discover where to indulge your tastebuds in the monasteries of Lombardy!