Arts and Humanities International, LLC presents:
The Monte Castello Academy
Hosted by: ICARTS, SRL
For nearly forty years, the mountaintop village of Monte Castello di Vibio has been a refuge for artists, thinkers, and makers from around the world. Perfectly preserved and largely unchanged since the 14th century, this walled, medieval Umbrian hill town offers something increasingly rare: a place to slow down, to be immersed in culture and history, to focus deeply, and create in meaningful connection with others. In this rarified environment we seek to nurture a community devoted to the arts, immersed in the rich culture of Italy, and existing on this magical mountain.
ICARTS, SRL Italia
The Monte Castello Academy is staffed by residents of our village. Its Director, Valentina Polito, grew up here, and will make you feel like family.
Valentina and her staff invite artists, writers, scholars, chefs, lifelong learners, and all who long to engage Italy’s rich cultural traditions and remarkable historical legacy, while savoring the quiet beauty of its natural landscape.
Work with us, study with us, and become part of a vibrant community of thinkers and makers drawn from many disciplines and backgrounds. From our mountaintop village, share a rare perspective and immerse yourself in an Italy seldom encountered by visitors. Experience Italy the way Italians do: savor its traditions and expand your mind and heart.
Here, our entire heart-shaped village is the campus. Within ancient stone walls and car-free streets, artists, musicians, writers, actors, scholars, and culinary professionals gather in an interdisciplinary and Socratic environment shaped by shared inquiry, conversation, and craft. Studios, classrooms, workshops, and libraries are woven into daily village life, allowing creative work to unfold naturally alongside communal meals and moments of reflection.
All-Inclusive Programs
From the time you arrive and our Welcome Service greets you at the Rome/Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport (FCO) until the time our Departure Service returns you to the airport and says farewell, we’ve got you covered!
Our all-inclusive, stress-free model allows guests to focus on experiencing Italy at its best and most intimate.
Private accommodations, daily meals prepared by our own chef and kitchen staff, airport transfers, and curated excursions are all seamlessly arranged. From arrival in Rome to return home, every detail is cared for—so your attention can remain where it belongs: on your immersion in a culturally rich environment shaped by shared inquiry, creativity, conversation, and craft.
Here, studios, classrooms, workshops, and libraries are woven into daily village life, allowing creative work to unfold naturally alongside communal meals and moments of reflection.
Our Workshops
We offer Workshops and Residencies in the visual and performing arts, writing and literature, music, culinary arts, and wine studies—each grounded in a level of cultural immersion rarely experienced by visitors to Italy. With 24/7 access to dedicated studios and facilities, participants are free to work at their own rhythm, supported by a setting designed for sustained creative retreat.
Residencies
ICARTS offers a Residency program for dedicated artists in search of inspiration and tranquility to focus on their work. Accommodation is in a medieval convent whose single rooms provide spectacular views of the Tiber Valley. Our chef and kitchen staff provide three meals a day called out by ancient church bells. The program also includes: airport transfer, 24/7 access to private workspace and participation in weekly excursions (as available). Please note that our Residencies are self-funded. Those seeking funding may contact our partner, The Saint Cecelia Foundation.
Study Abroad Hosting
At the International Center for the Arts, we can host more than 30 students at a time in comfortable, secure, historic accommodations. We provide classroom options including the Teatro Concordia or our Common Room, equipped with audio visual equipment, high–speed internet, and an extensive digital image library for lectures.
Our spacious studio classrooms are furnished with easels and large tables, have beautiful natural light, and ample exhibition/critique space. We provide field trips and excursions to points of interest throughout Italy, using our licensed and insured transportation partner, Provenzani Charter Bus Lines.
Host an Atelier Workshop, Conference, or Symposium at The Monte Castello Academy
One of the best ways for independent artists, scholars and researchers to bring a group to Italy is to host an event with us. We take the work out of group travel planning – giving the group leadeer the opportunity to enjoy the trip as much as participants!
Those interseted in a broader discourse can schedule their own Conference or Symposium. At The Monte Castello Academy, we’re proud to offer our beautiful village to other enthusiastic artists, writers, and creative professionals in the industry. We arrange airport transfer, lecture halls and performance venues, commercial kitchens, as well as meals and accommodation. We even take care of the bookings. If you have a conference or workshop that you’d like to host, submit a proposal today.
Facilities & Workspace
Here in our medieval hill town, we consider the whole village our campus and pride ourselves on our facilities and workspaces.
We have a variety of accommodations, serving every need from single rooms in the convent to luxury villas with pool. Our workspaces here in the medieval village are well-lighted and ventilated and accommodate private or group workspace needs.
For an unforgettable tour of our village and facilities, click here:
We are “Italy-nerds” and from the most famous sites to the most esoteric interests we can design an itinerary that suits everyone. Don’t waste time standing in line or waiting for busses. Let our experts coordinate all the details of your excursions and with expertise and professionalism we will get you where your want to go, provide tickets, reservations and -if necessary- special permission and access (when possible).
Keep up with what’s happening in and around Monte Castello before and during your stay with us. Events listed on our calendar are open to all residents and the public (as available).
Let’s Connect
Enter your details to receive updates about our upcoming retreats & workshop.
Email: info@artsandhumanitiesinternational.com | admin@artsandhumanitiesinternational.com
Phone: U.S. (Arts and Humanities International): 001 (302) 309- 7338 | Italy (ICARTS, Italia, SRL): +39 0758780059