Medieval Book Illumination Retreat
Learn the secrets of book illumination from scratch in this medieval art retreat in Panicale, Umbria, from July 25-31 2027!
I show you how to create a work of art in the style of medieval manuscripts, featuring real gold leaf, ornate initials, foliage, and historical patterns.
Learn this breathtaking, unique art form.
Preserve the knowledge, the techniques, the symbolism and the history of medieval masterpieces and become a part of keeping this ancient traditional art alive.
The Location
The Villa
Our villa is an 18th century palazzo, formerly owned by a Perugian duke, fully restored and set amongst four acres of gardens, parks and olive groves. Located in a small hamlet just on the outskirts of the picturesque Umbrian village of Panicale, the villa offers sweeping views across the hills and Lake Trasimeno. Besides the 8 suites containing 10 bedrooms, the property contains various common spaces, a large entrance hall, several salotti (salon rooms), a private commercial kitchen, a limonaia which is now an ample sunroom with exterior kitchen, an outdoor terrace on the first floor, spacious gardens and park, a private chapel, and of course a swimming pool hidden among an olives grove.
The Program
Day 1: Welcome to the Villa
16:00: Villa open for Arrivals
Settle into your room
Relax or explore your home and grounds
18:00: Welcome Circle and Introductions
Studio Tour and Course Orientation
19:00: Aperativo hour in the Villa’s limonaia
20:oo: Welcome dinner of traditional Umbrian cuisine
Day 2: The first Lines
8:00-9:30: Breakfast
9:30-12:30: Studio Time
13:00-14:00: Harvest lunch at the Villa
15:00-17:00: Studio Time
18:30: Courtyard Wine Tasting with Sommelier
20:00: Dinner at the villa
Day 3: Touch of Gold
8.00-9:30: Breakfast
9:30-12:30: Studio Time
.
13:00-14:00: Lunch at the Villa
15:00-17:00: Studio Time
18:00: Stroll to Panicale for Olive Oil Tasting
20:00: Dinner at the Villa
Day 4: Take a break
8:00-9:00: Breakfast
9:45 Leave for our local Tuscan or Umbrian hilltop town.
A free day to hike, shop, people watch in a piazza, visit museums, sketch and explore
13:oo: Lunch as you please in town....
14:00-16:30: Free time in town
17:00-18:00: Lakeside aperativo on the shores of Lago Trasimeno
19:30: Dinner in Castiglione del Lago
Day 5: Lettering Magic
8:00-9:30: Breakfast
9:30-12:30: Studio time
13:00-14:00: Lunch at the villa
15:00-17:00: Studio time
18:30: Aperatifs on the Terrace Suite Balcony
20:00: Dinner at the villa
Day 6: The Art of Ornament
8:00-9:30: Breakfast
9:30-12:30: Studio Time
13:00-14:00: Lunch at the villa
15:00-17:00: Studio Time
18:00: Discussion of our work/short
critique during aperativo hour
20:00: Artists’ final dinner at the villa
Day 7: Arriverderci
8:00-9:30: Breakfast
9:00-9:30: Gratitude and goodbyes
9:30-10:30: Transport to Chiusi Railway Station
Your Accommodation
Picturesque setting on the shores of Lago Trasimeno
Private Garden of lavender, roses & cypresses, stone paths & terraces, a tiny chapel, gazebo & limonaia
Pool nestled in an olive grove with views up to the hilltop town
Your Journey
We will arrange transport to and from the Chuisi - Chiancano Terme train station at 16:00 pm on the 24th
and return you there on the morning of the 31st
Rome aeroporto is just over 2 hours by train
Florence aeroporto, just under 2 hours by train
Perugia aeroporto ~ 40 minutes
The Rooms
Where would you like to stay?
Terrace Suite ~ The jewel in the crown. Huge, romantic double with private living room, bathroom and enormous balcony
Contessa Suite ~ Like the Terrace Suite above it, grand, romantic double with antechamber and private bathroom (where the bride usually stays during wedding weeks)
Pink Room ~ double bed, bathroom and shared
Salotto dei Poeti sitting room with Yellow room
Yellow Room ~ double bed, bathroom and shared
Salotto dei Poeti with Pink room
Count’s Apartment & Green Suite: The villa’s two spacious family suites (2, 3, or 4 friends in each). Both have one double bedroom, one twin or double bedroom, and ensuite bathroom.
The Blue Room ~ elegant twin bedroom with bathroom
Francescana ~ beautiful twin or double bedroom w/ bathroom
Retreat Costs ~ all inclusive, per person
July 25-31 2027
4 VIP Double Ensuites:
Terrace Suite, Contessa Suite, Pink or Yellow Room
€3200 ~ Private ~ Single Person Occupancy
€2,500 ~ per person Couple or 2 friends (sharing a bed)
4 Shared Triple or Twin Ensuites:
Count’s Apartment, Green Suite, Blue Twin, Francescanca
€2600 per person
Non-participating spouses, partners or friends ~ only €2,100 !