The First Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in Europe Rises in Pomaia
A unique project in Italy that blends spirituality, traditional architecture, and environmental restoration in the heart of Tuscany
A historic project is about to take shape in Italy: the first Tibetan Buddhist Monastery built from the ground up, following the ancient monastic architecture of Tibet. This extraordinary initiative is led by the Sangha Foundation ETS and the Monastic Association Sangha Lhungtok Choekhorling.
For years, Tibetan Buddhism has captured the hearts of many practitioners and scholars in the West, drawn to its profound spirituality and unique worldview. Now, thanks to the inspiration of Venerable Geshe Ciampa Ghiatso, this growing interest is materializing into a unique landmark: a monastery designed to welcome a community of students, lay practitioners, and ordained monks and nuns, with accommodations for up to one hundred residents.
The monastery is being built in Pomaia, a hamlet of Santa Luce (PI), in a breathtaking location with a panoramic view that stretches to the sea. However, the site's significance goes beyond its natural beauty—it is being constructed on a former quarry, an environmental wound that will be transformed through an ambitious ecological restoration project. Alongside the monastery, the Park of Contemplation and Peace will be established, offering a space open to all, with nature trails and installations dedicated to interfaith dialogue and environmental awareness.
The monastery’s design is a perfect balance of aesthetics, spirituality, and functionality. The structure will be developed on multiple levels, each with a specific purpose. From the expansive outer courtyard, visitors will pass through a large portico that introduces the sacred atmosphere of the building. At the heart of the monastery, a grand central altar will stand in a double-height hall, while the upper floors will house monks, nuns, and visitors. A special feature of the monastery is its top floor, exclusively designed to accommodate His Holiness the Dalai Lama during his visits.
With deep respect for nature, the monastery will be a model of ecological architecture, integrating low-impact solutions, renewable energy sources, and a careful selection of native Mediterranean flora. The restoration of historic walking trails and reforestation efforts will contribute to reviving an area that was once part of the great Santa Luce forest.Beyond being a spiritual center, the monastery will serve as a hub for those seeking in-depth study of Mahayana Buddhism. Under the guidance of highly qualified masters from the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), it will offer a comprehensive educational curriculum. Leading the monastery will be Geshe Thubten Chonyi, an internationally renowned figure and a board member of the FPMT, which oversees more than 160 centers worldwide.
The new monastery in Pomaia will not only be a place of retreat for the Buddhist community but also a beacon of dialogue and harmony for all. It will foster interfaith encounters, offering a space for reflection and personal growth. A message of universal peace that, from the rolling hills of Tuscany, will resonate across the world.
