Karuna Spiritual Retreat Center

Vidracco, Italy

The Karuna Spiritual Retreat Center is an interfaith project open to people of all spiritual and religious faiths. Silent group meditation is offered weekly when the Center is open.  If you are visiting the area, please contact us first to check specific dates and times. 

Satyana Institute programs and events are periodically offered at the Karuna Spiritual Retreat Center. For a list of Satyana programs in Italy, please click here.

 The Valchiusella Valley

The Karuna Spiritual Retreat Center is located in the quiet village of Vidracco, nestled in the foothills of the Alps about 50 km north of Turin in the Piedmont region of northern Italy.  Aptly dubbed as “Tuscany without the tourists,” Piedmont features magnificent rolling hills and vineyards against the backdrop of Europe’s highest mountains, and is home to the “slow food” movement that has spread to more than 50 countries.  Vidracco sits on the banks of a gorgeous river in the untrammelled Valchiusella valley, less than one hour’s drive from the mountainous borders of both France and Switzerland.  The tranquil valley is dotted with shrines to the Black Madonna, the Christian symbol of the divine feminine. 

Vidracco is also home to Damanhur, a spiritual intentional community famous for its remarkable underground Temples of Humanity (www.damanhur.org).  The Karuna Spiritual Retreat Center is not formally affiliated with Damanhur, but visitors of Karuna Center are encouraged to take an opportunity to visit the Temples of Humanity, which have been dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World” by the Italian government. 

Accommodations:

There are a range of possibilities for accommodations: 

Guest houses in the Valchiusella valley range from 18 to 30 Euros per night, depending on the amenities.  There are also Bed and Breakfast rooms available in the area.  Camping is also available.  Please specify your accommodations preference on the registration form, and the conference organizers will contact you with further information and booking details.  

Getting there:

Automobile:  Vidracco is an hour and a half drive from the Milan airport (Malpensa) and 45 minutes from the Turin airport.  Rental cars are available at either airport. 

Train:  Rail service is available from Milan or Turin to the town of Ivrea, which is 15 km from Vidracco (schedules and fares at www.trenitalia.com).  From Ivrea, taxis are available, and limited bus service to Vidracco.  More information and assistance is available upon registration.