Pilgrims travelling to Rome can experience the best of both worlds, earthly and spiritual, when they find themselves at Domus Australia.
The authentic Italian guest house located in Rome, which was established in 2011, last month celebrated the fourth anniversary of its opening.
Mass was celebrated in the magnificent Chapel of St Peter Chanel by Cardinal George Pell, who now resides in Rome as the Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy. It was Cardinal Pell’s vision to create this home away from home for Australian pilgrims travelling to Rome.
It is now the largest national pilgrim centre in Rome and has been receiving glowing reviews from guests since its opening.
Established by the Archdiocese of Sydney, with the support of other Australian dioceses, the superbly restored historic building and chapel are also home to a number of 19th and 20th-century artworks which have been beautifully and faithfully restored by a team of specialist Roman art restorers.
Mass in English is celebrated every day for guests and visitors to Rome.
The Perth Archdiocese connection to Domus Australia has been strong, following the purchase of the former Marist convent in 2008 by the Archdiocese of Sydney
Extensive reconstruction and renovation have since seen the building transformed into a spectacular destination for Australian travellers, and has also seen it receive consecutive Certificate of Excellence awards from TripAdvisor, one of the world’s leading internet travel sites.
It is ranked in the top 20 out of 771 properties, with TripAdvisor reviews received by Domus Australia referring to the boutique guest house as “their home in Rome”.
In 2015, Domus Australia was once again awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and has an average review rating of 5 out of 5 since opening.
“We have managed to combine a traditional Roman guest house with some Australian flavour, including a full, hot, Aussie breakfast; English-speaking staff, excellent wifi; tea and coffee facilities in our spacious guest rooms, amongst other discreet touches,” Mr Digges added.
Mr Digges went on to say that he believes the instant success of the 32-room premises stems from the fusion of a traditional Roman guest house with modern facilities and a distinct blend of Australian flavour to provide guests with a sense of home whilst still embracing their Italian experience.
“It is an experience that literally connects guests with the historical foundations of Rome,” Mr Digges said.
Domus Australia has the endorsement of Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB who has encouraged Australian visitors to stay when visiting Rome, describing it as a “welcoming, warm and friendly place, ideally located to launch out into all the wonders Rome has to offer”.
Domus Australia is preparing for an even busier 2016, with the Jubilee Year in Rome commencing in December.
To make a booking, contact the Sydney Office on 02 9390 5980 or email reservations@domusaustralia.org or visit www.domusaustralia.org.