The event Honey in the Convent will debut on 12 and 13 September 2026 at the Convent of Renacavata, in Camerino, the Marche region.
The history of beekeeping in Italian monasteries
A journey through the history of honey and beekeeping in Italian monasteries, exploring ancient traditions, monastic wisdom and new experiences to enjoy. This is Miele in Convento, the first edition of the event scheduled for 12 and 13 September at the Capuchin Monastery of Renacavata, in Camerino, to showcase a little-known heritage that is still very much alive in numerous Italian monasteries and convents.
Renacavata – Capuchin Friars’ Convent - coutesy of La Città del Miele Press Office
Camerino is in the province of Macerata
Camerino is one of the seven municipalities in the province of Macerata that form part of Le Città del Miele, the Cities of Honey, the national network of areas that give rise to and define Italian honeys. The event, organized by the Municipality of Camerino, is in collaboration with the friars of the Convent of Renacavata, the Macerata Beekeepers’ Consortium, the Pro Camerino Tourist Association and Le Città del Miele. It celebrates the ancient and fascinating history of beekeeping in Italian convents and monasteries, where for centuries honey and other bee products have been a precious resource for the life of religious communities. This first edition of Miele in Convento is an opportunity to explore a place through an unusual lens - that of bees and honey, and to discover how a product of nature can tell the story of centuries of history, knowledge and traditions.
The world’s first Friars Minor Capuchin monastery
The venue chosen for the first edition of Miele in Convento is particularly significant. The Renacavata convent is historically recognized as the first monastery in the world of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, founded in 1528. Its architecture, its spaces, the surrounding woods, the garden and the apiary are preserved through the daily work of its religious community, which on this occasion bears witness to a special chapter in the history of Italian beekeeping. Thanks to its beauty and the scenic setting in which it is situated, this year the monastery is also among the most highly voted candidates (it currently ranks second) in the thirteenth edition of the FAI’s ‘Luoghi del Cuore’, the survey dedicated to the care and promotion of the national heritage.
Mini courses for younger visitors
The programme for the second weekend in September will guide visitors on a journey of discovery through Renacavata and its heritage, with guided tours of the monastic quarters and the museum. For younger visitors, there will be mini-courses dedicated to beekeeping, offering the chance to observe and understand the work of bees and round off the experience with a honey-based snack. The relationship between honey and gastronomy will, meanwhile, take centre stage in two special menus served in the convent’s refectory, where honey will be used to reinterpret local cuisine (On reservation only; please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
The role of honey in the diet
There will also be cultural insights, including a session dedicated to the role of honey in the diet, with unusual tastings organized by young experts from the Faculty of Food Chemistry at the University of Camerino, led by Professor Gianni Sagratini. The event will also host a market exhibition dedicated to honey and local specialities. by religious communities, often in collaboration with local beekeepers. For information: Proloco Camerino, tel 0737 632534, WhatsApp 345 8855294
