In 1958, two Camaldolese hermits came to the United States from Italy, searching for the perfect combination of solitude, natural beauty, and spirituality suitable for the contemplative life in the Catholic Benedictine tradition. They found this magic in Big Sur. In building the New Camaldoli Hermitage near Lucia and establishing a presence in America for the first time, they created over those years a village of hermits, together, yet in solitude.

The New Camaldoli Hermitage has seen its share of tranquility during its 47-year presence on the Big Sur coast albeit periodically interrupted by chaos. The first structures on the property burned down in a fire. Over the years wildfires, landslides, high winds and heavy rain have made their brief appearances to serve as a reminder of the precarious nature of existence on the coast for the monks. The last El Nino severely damaged the property, much of this due to the settling of foundations and aging of monks’ and workers’ living quarters. Severe mold problems in monk cells have become a constant health risk.

Currently 25 monks live on the property, each with his unique vocation and program of study. Worldwide, there are only about 90 Camaldolese monks and nuns. Around 600 lay people, mostly in the United States, have also attached themselves spiritually to the Camaldolese way. Monks practice as artists, writers, sculptors, painters, musicians, celebrating their creativity while also delving deep into the spirituality the focused life of contemplative meditation brings. Prayer, mass, ceremony, silence and meditation are central to maintaining balance in life for this village of hermits.

In the four decades the Hermitage has been open to outside visitors, over 150,000 people have made retreats at the property and nearly a half-million have visited in one form or another. The natural beauty of the property, the monastic life there, and the Hermitage chapel have long had a profound impact on those who visit.  

The New Camaldoli Hermitage is located on an eight hundred acre sanctuary in the rugged Santa Lucia Mountains of Big Sur, California. Located 1,300 feet above sea level the Hermitage provides a spectacular view of the ever changing Pacific Ocean.