i beleive there are convents in Italy that provide accommadations for a day or two for a<BR> nominal payment- does anyone know?????

There is a book called "Bed and Blessings: Italy" that lists dozens of such places.<BR><BR>

Yes, they are less expensive than many hotels. However the prices are higher than what I'd describe as "nominal". As StCirq already mentioned, Bed and Blessings has a good list of convents & monastaries at which you can stay.<BR>

Here's where we stayed in Florence in October 2001.<BR><BR>Instituto Oblate dell'Assunzione (L65.000 per person)<BR>Borgo Pinti, 15 Firenze 50121<BR>Fax: 39 0155 234 629 (from US)<BR><BR>They didn't reply to our first two faxes, but did offer a room on the third try. <BR><BR>See that little "Text Search" box at the top of your page?<BR>Type in "Convents and Italy" and press find. Lots of messages should appear from archives.<BR>

Checkout the following for rome convents<BR><BR>http://www.romeguide.it/FILES/cas_rein.htm

ttt