Nestled in the heart of the Southern Italian region’s mountainous landscape, Convento Francescano holds a story fuelled with purpose, passion and a personal connection to the region.
Nestled in the heart of the Cilento mountains lies Cuccaro Vetere, the small village home to Convento Francescano. Photography: Agi Sigiba
Words by Roddy Clarke
Walking through the large wooden doors of Convento Francescano and stepping from the reception area into its central cloister, a sense of history envelops you as your mind absorbs all that the ancient walls must have seen since its 14th Century beginnings. In meeting its now guardians, Alberto Carrato and Maria Chiara Faganel, I am intrigued to find out why two young entrepreneurs in their twenties decided to move from Milan to the rural region of Cilento to embark on the revival of this historic venue.
For Carrato, the journey is a deeply personal one. With his late father being born in the village of Cuccaro Vetere, where the Convento is located, he says to return to the region and share its magic with the world is a dream he has held onto. “While growing up in Milan, I’ve spent every summer in Cilento, staying in a house my parents built,” he explains. “My father’s desire to create something meaningful in Cilento was always strong. Over time, he passed that dream onto me. He had to leave Cuccaro in the 1960s to move to Milan, and in many ways, my journey has been a reverse one—returning to his homeland to restore and give new life to the most important historical monument of his village.”
Alberto Carrato and Maria Chiara Faganel have transformed Convento Francescano into a boutique hospitality venue, with a passion to share their love for the local region. Photography: Convento Francescano
While the wider region of Campania has been renowned for tourist hotspots along the Amalfi coast, the Cilento coastline has often been overlooked despite boasting outstanding natural beauty and an abundance of charm and authenticity. And nestled in the heart of the Cilento National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the 500-strong village of Cuccaro Vetere is now being firmly marked on the map as the duo embark on a vision of sharing its wonders with the world.
14th Century Fresco paintings are still visible on the internal walls of the original chapel inside the Convento. Photography: Agi Sigiba
The site of Convento Francescano began with a small chapel that was built in 1333 to guard a sacred relic. Drawing attention from pilgrims and travellers who came to visit in the years that followed, the venue expanded over time shaping its footprint today. However, over the last century, it was left abandoned and fell into disrepair. Just over 20 years ago, the local municipality decided to restore the Convento to its former glory with a vision to use it as a hospitality hub. Reaching completion in 2019, the venue sadly hit another challenge as the Covid-19 lockdown put a temporary stop to tourism meaning it only was used for a few local events. Standing empty once again, the building was put out to a public tender in 2024 to help bring it back to life.
It was at this time that Carrato and his mother became aware of the property while spending the summer in the Cilento region. “There was an immediate vision that came to mind the moment we came across it,” he states. “We envisioned transforming it into a place of hospitality rooted in rural luxury with a sense of familial warmth.” Setting out a clear sense of direction, Carrato’s vision won the public tender, giving him, Maria Chiara and his mother Patrizia, the opportunity to move away from Milan – a decision they had been considering for some time. “This transition was not just a physical move,” he says, “but a complete shift in our way of life. From the very beginning, we knew this project would require a multidisciplinary approach and we chose to manage almost everything ourselves.”
The Convento’s central cloister creates an idyllic setting for dining and relaxing as guests relax into the slow rhythm of its daily routine. Photography: Agi Sigiba
Sitting down for my first meal in the Convento, the family story comes to life even further as Patrizia prepares each course, drawing from her own love of authentic, regional recipes. “We have drawn heavily from the concept of the traditional Puglian masseria as my mother’s roots are in Puglia and she is a huge part of the Convento today,” he says. “Additionally, our own travel experiences have also guided us with our most memorable stays being largely focused on the connection we found with the people behind them and the opportunity to immerse ourselves within their culture.” Seeking to embody this spirit within the Convento, Carratto hopes visitors will not only experience the beauty of Cilento but will leave feeling a genuine connection with the family too.
Contemporary furniture blends cohesively into the environment, meticulously chosen by the duo to ensure the history and charm of the setting remains prevalent. Photography: Agi Sigiba
With the eight rooms of the venue centred around an internal cloister which provides the dining setting, it is easy to find yourself settling into the slow-paced rhythm of the Convento. The space has been designed to not only allow you to switch off, thanks to the recent additions of an outdoor pool, wood-fired hot tub and Finnish sauna, but also to embrace the local lifestyle. Each menu is prepared daily according to what can be found seasonally, at the local market and from the Convento’s own vegetable garden. This sense of locality was another important factor for both Alberto and Maria Chiara. “Our commitment to the local community is at the heart of our philosophy,” comments Maria Chiara. “We believe an authentic experience begins with the land and the people who inhabit it. For this reason, all our culinary products are sourced from local producers across the region – the birthplace of the Mediterranean diet.” With a background in sustainability, Maria Chiara goes on to say how the dedication to local craftspeople, artisans and producers is key to a responsible approach. “From the builders who created out beautiful pool to the craftsmen who handmade our custom furniture, all are talented locals. Our walls have also been brought to life with the artistry of two young painters from the village itself. This project is not just about creating a beautiful retreat but about creating opportunities, strengthening our community, and demonstrating that it is possible to build something extraordinary in Southern Italy. The trust, friendship, and sense of purpose we share with our local team have been essential to the success of this project. We owe them an immense debt of gratitude, and we are proud to showcase their incredible talents to the world.”
Baths are placed within each of the eight suites to encourage guests to slow down and remain centred and calm during their stay. Photography: Agi Sigiba
While the boutique offering is positioned in the luxury hospitality sector, the duo hope they can encourage guests to find new depth to the meaning of luxury. “We want our guests to experience the luxury of simplicity,” Alberto continues. “For us, it is found in the small, meaningful moments that leave a lasting impression and the authenticity of our welcome. It’s about finding local secrets that you won’t find in any guidebook, savouring a traditional dish cooked with love, using ingredients grown just a few kilometres away, while sipping a glass of local wine. And, above all, we want our guests to reconnect with themselves.”
Surrounded by the rolling landscape of the Cilento mountains, Convento Francescano offers a truly authentic escape. Photography: Agi Sigiba
In a world that seems to move too fast, the magic of the Convento certainly gives the impression that time slows down as I look out onto the rolling mountainous hillside from my suite. Not only reconnecting myself in the present moment, the experience draws me into a little slice of Cilento’s history while witnessing the exciting future vision of two young entrepreneurs filled with immense passion and a love for connection. And, in understanding their offering, it seems the duo are looking for a thoughtful and discerning type of traveller who can appreciate such authenticity. “We hope it attracts those who can truly grasp the essence of this untouched region,” says Maria Chiara while commenting on its pristine coastline, hilltop villages and ancient archaeological sites of Paestum and Velia. “We want visitors not just to see these places but to understand them, connect with their stories and to leave with a piece of this land imprinted in their hearts.”
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