MONASTERO ARX VIVENDI
LOCATION
Arco, Trentino, Italy
ARCHITECTURE
Reconversion of a historic monastery
YEAR
2022
STYLE
Contemporary heritage renovation
Monastero Arx Vivendi occupies a former monastery in Arco, a small town set between the mountains of Trentino and the northern shores of Lake Garda. The project transforms a historic religious complex into a contemporary retreat, preserving the atmosphere of its original architecture while introducing a quieter, more understated form of hospitality.
The renovation is shaped by a careful dialogue between old and new. The monastery’s stone walls, vaulted spaces and enclosed courtyards retain their historic presence, while contemporary interventions bring new life to the building. Rather than competing with the existing structure, the additions are restrained in material and expression, allowing the character of the former monastery to remain central.
The spatial experience is defined by a sequence of intimate rooms, passageways and open-air spaces. The architecture encourages a slower rhythm, with moments of stillness unfolding between the historic interiors and the landscaped courtyard. Natural materials and a muted palette reinforce the sense of calm, while the building’s original proportions provide a distinctive framework for the hotel’s contemporary functions.
Wellness facilities extend this atmosphere of retreat. The spa and pool areas are integrated into the historic setting, offering a contrast between the solidity of the monastery and the restorative qualities of water, light and landscape.
Monastero Arx Vivendi is an example of adaptive reuse that places preservation and contemporary comfort on equal footing. Its architecture does not erase the past, but makes it part of the guest experience — transforming a former place of contemplation into a modern destination for rest.
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
Monastero Arx Vivendi demonstrates how a historic religious complex can be adapted for contemporary hospitality without losing its architectural identity. Through a restrained approach to renovation, the project preserves the monastery’s material character and spatial rhythm while introducing new functions with sensitivity. The result is a considered balance between heritage, design and the experience of retreat.
