Of course a purpose of our
site is to encourage visitors to Casa Cares, but we want to spread the
word that our place is just one of several Waldensian
guesthouses/meeting centers spread across Italy. We vary greatly in
background, setting, and accommodation, but we coordinate our efforts
and share the idea that to practise hospitality means not only to offer
a physical space but also to open up and to offer oneself.
Some of the
guesthouses, such as those in Riesi, a small town in the South of
Sicily, and La Noce, also in Sicily but in its biggest city of Palermo,
began as social services and continue with such programs today. Just
south of Rome, in Velletri, the center of Ecumene is similar to Casa
Cares with its emphasis on group accommodation. In the center of Rome
itself the Casa Valdese is the top of our line as a three star hotel
located close to the Tiber River and many of the city’s important
sites. In Tuscany, besides our facility in Reggello, we have two sister
centers, the Casa Valdese on Elba island and the Foresteria Valdese,
excellently located and one of the best bargains for a stay in the
center of Florence. Similar to the Florence foresteria is that in
Venice, a short walk from Piazza San Marco. On the northwest Riviera
coast we have both a hotel in Pietra Ligure, close to Savona, and a
guesthouse in Vallecrosia, almost in France. The Waldensian Valleys,
the historical home of the Waldensians and the only corner of the
country with a Protestant majority, also offer two facilities. Agape is
in a mountain village and was built by young adult volunteers from many
nations as a exercise in reconciliation after the tragedy of World War
II.
The Foresteria Valdese instead is located in Torre Pellice, the
most important Waldensian town (tiny like the natioanal church
itself!), which hosts the annual national assembly of the church and
offers an excellent museum presenting Waldensian history. The rich
variety of our guest centers and specific information can be found on
our shared site www.foresterievaldesi.it, which of course can link
visitors to the sites of the individual centers.
Despite very reasonable rates, some of the centers, such as those in Rome, Florence, and Venice, are able to generate funds that are then dedicated to social services conducted by the church. Outside the major cities, the centers tend to close for part of the winter season and use the period for maintenance and for the organization of the season in arrival. For Casa Cares this year it means going forward with major investment to meet new fire code standards. In the 2008 season we look forward to again hosting several groups that regularly visit as well as welcoming newcomers. Certainly we, like all of the Waldensian centers, are happy to also host individuals and families and other small groups.
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