Introduction
Vipassana meditation is an ancient practice aimed at developing awareness and freeing oneself from suffering through the direct observation of bodily sensations. Rooted in the teachings of the Buddha, it has spread across the world and evolved through various lineages and approaches.
In this article, you’ll find a complete list of Vipassana retreats in Italy scheduled for 2025, led by specialized centers and experienced teachers.
What Is Vipassana Meditation?
Vipassana, which means “seeing things as they really are,” is one of the oldest meditation techniques passed down from the Buddha over 2,500 years ago. It is a deep mindfulness practice focused on the direct observation of bodily sensations, aimed at cultivating equanimity and liberation from suffering.
Vipassana seeks to purify the mind of its impurities through an experiential path grounded in three pillars: Sīla (ethical conduct), Samādhi (concentration), Paññā (wisdom or insight).
The ultimate goal is to achieve a state of intrinsic happiness—one that is not dependent on external circumstances.
Over time, the practice has diversified into different traditions. Some retreats follow the rigorous, secular approach of S.N. Goenka, based on the teachings of Sayagyi U Ba Khin, while others are rooted in Theravāda or Zen lineages that blend meditation with philosophical contemplation. Retreats vary in length and intensity, ranging from classic 10-day courses to advanced long-term programs.
Vipassana is open to everyone and is offered freely, in a non-commercial spirit. Participants are guided by qualified teachers who preserve the technique in its authentic form, providing a safe and focused environment to explore the connection between body and mind, and to realize the impermanence (anicca), unsatisfactoriness (dukkha), and absence of a fixed self (anattā). Despite variations across traditions, all Vipassana lineages emphasize the importance of living in the present and cultivating deep awareness to transcend suffering.
Vipassana Retreats: A Gift of the Dharma
Often described as “free retreats,” Vipassana coursesfollow the Buddha’s tradition of offering the teachings as a selfless gift for the benefit of all beings. Most retreats come at no fixed cost: food, accommodation, and teachings are covered entirely by voluntary donations from past participants.
This donation-based model reflects a core value of Vipassana practice: the teachings should be accessible to everyone, regardless of financial background.
During the retreat, participants immerse themselves in a silent and disciplined environment focused on self-awareness and mental purification. It is a path of personal transformation—challenging yet profoundly rewarding.
What to Expect at a Vipassana Retreat
Among the many forms of transformative experiences, a Vipassana retreat is one of the most immersive and life-changing. Typically lasting 10 days, these retreats take place in silent, secluded environments, away from daily distractions. Participants follow a strict daily schedule from early morning until evening, engaging in 10 to 12 hours of meditation per day, punctuated by breaks and simple, nourishing vegetarian meals.
One of the foundational rules is Noble Silence, meaning no communication between participants. Mobile phones, books, notes, music, and other distractions are not allowed. However, communication with retreat staff is always permitted in case of emergencies.
Key rules and guidelines include:
Ethical code: Refrain from killing, stealing, lying, sexual activity, and using intoxicants
Strict routine: Early wake-up, fixed schedule, no talking
No distractions: Electronic devices, reading, writing, and physical exercise are prohibited
Simple meals: Two main meals in the morning and midday, with a light snack in the afternoon for returning students
Note: Most Vipassana retreats are free or ask for a small fee to cover essential costs.
Personal Stories and Testimonials
To help you get a better idea of the experience, here are some reflections from those who have participated in Vipassana retreats:
“Escape from a Vipassana Retreat” by Eleonora Maria Viganò
“You can’t talk unless it’s absolutely necessary, you can’t leave the center’s boundaries, read, write, exercise, or even practice yoga. Phones are surrendered at check-in. A semi-serious account of an attempted Vipassana retreat.”
Il mio primo mer(d)aviglioso ritiro di Vipassana by Valentina Albè
“If you’re thinking of doing your first Vipassana retreat, you have my respect and moral support. A minute of silence…
and a bit of envy too. In this article I share my very personal story, breaking most of the rules I was taught, and probably giving my teacher a heart attack in the process.”
“10-Day Vipassana Retreat: My Honest Review” by Daniele ‘Unsuretraveller’
“I first heard about Vipassana retreats while living in New Zealand in 2019. One of my flatmates joined one out of sheer curiosity, with no prior meditation experience. Ten days of silence, no phone or internet, ten hours of meditation a day?! It sounded intense but intriguing.”
Vipassana Retreats in Italy – 2025 Calendar
Dhamma Atala
Courses taught in the tradition of S.N. Goenka Monthly retreats, including 3-day and 10-day formats
Notable 10-day retreat dates in 2025:
January 15–26
Jan 29–Feb 9
Feb 19–Mar 2
Mar 19–30
Apr 2–13
Apr 16–27
May 7–18
May 21– June 1
June 4 – 15
June 18 – 29
July 23 – Aug 3
Aug 6 – 17
Aug 20 – 31
Sep 3 – 14
Oct 1 – 12
Oct 15 – 26
Nov 12 – 23
Nov 26 – Dic 7
Dic 10 – 21
2025 Dic 26 – 2026 Gen 6
Visit their page for the full 2025 calendar.
Paola Testa
Paolo Testa is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist who organizes various types of retreats throughout Italy, including Vipassana retreats. Below are some of the 2025 dates.
April 3–6, 2025 – Vipassana Retreat
from 29 May to 2 June 2025 – Vipassana Retreat
August 17–27, 2025 – Vipassana Retreat (with Elsa Chiesa as assistant)
October 2–5, 2025 – Vipassana Retreat
December 4–8, 2025 – Vipassana Retreat
Pian dei Ciliegi
Pian dei Ciliegi is a Vipassana meditation center in the province of Piacenza, managed by the namesake association. It hosts various types of meditation retreats, with a particular focus on Vipassana retreats.
2025 Dates:
March 28 – April 4, 2025
Andrea Huber
Satipaṭṭhāna Vipassanā meditation retreat in the tradition of Mahāsi Sayadaw
April 4 – 13, 2025
Gautam Verma
Satipaṭṭhāna Vipassanā meditation retreat in the tradition of Mahāsi Sayadaw
April 13 – 27, 2025
Hannes Huber
Satipaṭṭhāna Vipassanā meditation retreat in the tradition of Mahāsi Sayadaw
May 31 – June 8, 2025
Bhikkhu Mettānanda
Introductory retreat on Satipaṭṭhāna Vipassanā meditation in the Mahāsi Sayadaw tradition
June 13 – 28, 2025
Bhante Gavesi
Satipaṭṭhāna Vipassanā meditation retreat in the Mahāsi tradition
July 1 – 6, 2025
Giuliano Giustarini and Gautam Verma
Study and meditation retreat – Vipassanā
July 10 – 13, 2025
Massimo Bonomelli
Introductory retreat for teenagers and young adults
July 16 – 27, 2025
Massimo Bonomelli
Satipaṭṭhāna Vipassanā meditation retreat in the tradition of Mahāsi Sayadaw
August 1 – 11, 2025
Hannes Huber
Satipaṭṭhāna Vipassanā meditation retreat in the tradition of Mahāsi Sayadaw
August 11 – 21, 2025
Jan de Wurstemberger & Henrich Dahm
Satipaṭṭhāna Vipassanā meditation retreat in the tradition of Mahāsi Sayadaw
August 21 – 31, 2025
Piero Urban
Satipaṭṭhāna Vipassanā meditation retreat in the tradition of Mahāsi Sayadaw
September 20 – 28, 2025
Adriano Emina
Satipaṭṭhāna Vipassanā meditation retreat in the tradition of Mahāsi Sayadaw
October 4 – 12, 2025
Gautam Verma
Satipaṭṭhāna Vipassanā meditation retreat in the tradition of Mahāsi Sayadaw
October 17 – 26, 2025
Federica La Rosa
Meditation retreat in Mettā and Satipaṭṭhāna Vipassanā
October 31 – November 30, 2025
Ayya Virañani
Intensive Satipaṭṭhāna Vipassanā meditation retreat in the Mahāsi Sayadaw tradition
December 28, 2025 – January 5, 2026
Bhikkhu Mettānanda
Introductory retreat on Satipaṭṭhāna Vipassanā meditation in the Mahāsi Sayadaw tradition
Progetto Pienessere
The Progetto Pienessere association organizes Vipassana retreats and other meditation experiences in the Theravāda Forest tradition, inspired by the teachings of Ajahn Chah.
February 14 – 18, 2025
Vipassana retreat with Ajahn Vajiro
February 26 – March 2, 2025
Vipassana retreat with Ayya Som
June 16 – 22, 2025
Meditation and Vipassana retreat with Paolo Testa
Autunno 2025
Vipassana retreat with Ajahn Khemasiri
You can find the full calendar of Vipassana retreats organized by Progetto Pienessere on their official page.
A.ME.CO.
A.Me.Co. – Associazione per la Meditazione di Consapevolezza Vipassanā is a religious organization rooted in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. It offers Vipassana retreats and Dharma teachings with experienced teachers.
30 January – 2 February 2025
Neva Papachristou
Ritiro di Dharma e Meditazione Vipassanā organizzato dall’Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa – Pomaia
22 – 27 April 2025
Neva Papachristou
Dharma and Vipassanā Meditation retreat in Albino (Bergamo)
8 – 11 May 2025
Neva Papachristou
Dharma and Vipassanā Meditation retreat organized by Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa – Pomaia
28 September – 5 October 2025
Neva Papachristou
Dharma and Vipassanā Meditation retreat in Albino (Bergamo)
6 – 9 November 2025
Neva Papachristou
Dharma and Vipassanā Meditation retreat organized by Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa – Pomaia
Here you can find all the upcoming Vipassana retreats and other scheduled events.
Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa
The Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, located in Tuscany, is a Tibetan Buddhist center of the Mahayana tradition offering courses in philosophy, psychology, and meditation.
1 January – 9 January
A Wise Heart
Wisdom and compassion in Vipassanā meditation – in-person retreat
In-person meditation retreat with Paolo Testa and Elsa Chiesa.
On this page, you’ll find the institute’s other upcoming retreats.
Osho Vipassana
The Osho Institute organizes retreats and events in Italy and abroad.
2 January (9:30 PM) – 6 January 2025
Osho Neo-Vipassana Retreat
25 January – 26 January 2025
The Eye of the Cyclone & Vipassana Day
On this page, you can find all other Osho Vipassana courses and retreats.
Mario Thanavato
Mario Thanavaro is a Vipassana meditation teacher who shares teachings on various aspects of spirituality. In March 1990, he founded the Santacittarama monastery and served as its abbot for six years.
Here you can find all of Master Thanavaro’s in-person and online events.
Santacittarama
Santacittarama is the first monastery in Italy of the Theravāda tradition, known as “The Way of the Elders.” The Santacittarama Association, officially recognized as a religious institution in 1995, is a member of the Italian Buddhist Union. The monastery is located about 50 km from Rome, in the Sabine hills, in the municipality of Poggio Nativo, province of Rieti.
Events and retreats are also held here, which you can find on this page.
Vipassana Italia
Vipassana Italia organizes online retreats, currently available only to students who have already completed a residential retreat. You can find more information here.
Closing Note
We hope this article has been helpful on your journey of growth, presence, and awareness.
