This post first appeared on the Slow Travel Tours blog in April, 2025.
Even though Suor Giovanna hadn’t been at the the Istituto San Lodovico for several years, she’s my touchstone to all things Adventures in Italy. She passed away last week, and I feel her loss as one feels the loss of a beloved grandparent; the passing of a legend.
I believe that a trip to Orvieto with Adventures in Italy is truly magical. The town is a throwback in time, our cultural activities give you the history of this medieval town, and of course you’re fuelling your creativity. But aside from all of the wonderful food, friends and culture that you experience, it’s the very special place we stay, the Istituto San Lodovico that’s the crema on the gelato (icing on the cake didn’t seem very Italian!) Up until recently, this former convent was run by nuns, and Suor Giovanna, the Mother Superior, who I first interacted with as a guest and then owner of Adventures in Italy, set the tone.
As I took over Adventures in Italy and began learning Italian, Suor Giovanna watched me stumble through her language, always patient and gently correcting and encouraging me. Her English was limited, but her favorite greeting upon my arrival was “Kiss Me!”
Suor Giovanna loved Formula One racing and on one race day she showed her support by draping a jersey over one of the religious statues in the courtyard. She had a wonderful sense of humor, evident even with the language barrier.
My mom developed an instant monther-daughter relationship with Suor Giovanna as well, affectionately calling her “Mama.” She took care of us all, any visitor who passed through felt genuinely welcomed into her home. If you crossed paths with Suor Giovanna, leave a memory in the comments 🙂
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