Have you ever thought of celebrating your special occasions such as birthday or an anniversary with us here at Centro D’Ompio? We also welcome you to organize a corporate events or other types of seminars.
We’re here to help you in the organization of your event. During the event you will be assisted by our dedicated team, intent on welcoming your participants, making them feel at home and creating the perfect space and atmosphere that will fit you and your guests.
We’d like to tell you a little bit more about what we can offer and why we think Centro d’Ompio could be the right place for your event…
Team work in Centro is essential and deeply connected at all working positions. The success of our work is always the outcome of a combination of roles which integrate and compliment one another: from the Care/Cleaning to the Handyman/Maintenance departments; from the Kitchen to the Office, staff members are renewing their annual commitment, offering their services in supporting the groups and seminars taking place here and ultimately to making our guests feel at home.
At the moment we are busy with the closing down activities: in depth cleaning, collecting material, and taking inventory. Once the season is over and the last of our guests has left, we’ll commence maintenance work to renew and refresh the Centro for the next season.
Centro work this year has once again been supported by our “Working Guests”.
We want to announce the name of the winner of the last Sweepstake: Christiane Ritter, from Germany, who has won a free weekend at Centro d'Ompio for two people!
The question was: How many different species of bamboo are present on Centro d'Ompio land?
And the right answer is: 15 different species.
So Christiane, congratulations again and see you at Centro!
In 2024, we placed a paramount emphasis on the regeneration of our extensive forested areas which for decades were creating a vibrant ecosystem and natural environment around Centro. We have selectively removed and replaced unhealthy trees to enhance the overall vitality and biodiversity of the ecosystem. This endeavor not only contributes to the restoration of forest health but also bolsters climate resilience, ensuring a sustainable environment for us and future generations.
Since 25 years, we have been avoiding to use of chemicals in our housekeeping and cleaning activities as much as possible. We use biological handsoaps. Most of our cleaning agents are biological and biodegradable. Furthermore since 25 years we've used EM (Effective Microorganisms) for just about all our cleaning tasks.
In simple terms, EM stands for Effective Microorganisms, which are a mix of "good" bacteria, fungi, and other tiny organisms that work together to improve the health of soil, plants, animals, and even people. Think of EM as a natural booster that helps nature work better, whether it’s breaking down waste, improving soil fertility, or even cleaning water. It's like giving a helping hand to the invisible workers in nature!
Prof. Higa of Japan introduced Effective Microorganisms (EM) in the 1980s in order to find an alternative to the use of chemicals in agriculture. The discovery of EM has not only fulfilled the initial aim but also revealed unexpected results in a variety of application fields. Nowadays EM technology is a very effective tool for environmental clean up and an excellent help in organic farming worldwide.
The microorganisms are naturally existing and are not modified or manipulated in any way and are cultured according to a specific method. Some of which are known to produce bioactive substances such as vitamins, hormones, enzymes, antioxidants and antibiotics that can directly, or indirectly enhance plant growth and protection.EM comes in a liquid form and consists of naturally-occurring beneficial microorganisms.
Throughout the world, EM applications are made in the farming, livestock, environmental clean-up (polluted waterways, lakes and lagoons), and health industries. What EM is not, is not harmful, pathogenic, genetically-engineered/modified (GMO), nor chemically-synthesized.
(Learn more https://www.agriton.co.uk/em-story)
2013 - 2015 Permaculture projectFrom 2013 to 2015, Centro supported an educational Permaculture Project, led by John Button, a world-known permaculture expert and Francesca Simonetti, the Italian agronomyst.
Permaculture, a holistic approach to agricultural design, emphasizes sustainable and self-sufficient ecosystems that work in harmony with natural processes. By integrating principles derived from ecology, traditional land-use practices, and modern science, permaculture fosters biodiversity, conserves water, and enhances soil fertility, ultimately contributing to food security and environmental stewardship. As global challenges such as climate change and resource depletion intensify, the adoption of permaculture practices becomes increasingly vital for fostering a sustainable future.
Our educational project sought to cultivate a vibrant community of permaculture enthusiasts and practitioners, build strong social bonds. By fostering connections among individuals who share a commitment to sustainable practices, we aimed to enhance knowledge sharing, collaboration, and mutual support. This communal approach not only enriches the learning experience but also strengthens the resilience of the local ecosystem, thereby creating a robust network dedicated to promoting permaculture principles and environmental stewardship.
Bokashi Method of organic waste compostingBeing a vegetarian place since 40 years, we produce a certain volume of precious organic matter. In 2014 - 2016, we implemented Bokashi Method of kitchen organic composting to learn the method and erinch our soils and fertilse the plants. Bokashi is the most energy efficient way of breaking down organic matter. The fermentative decomposition creates a pre-digested, nutrient dense ferment that can be used as a soil improver and or an organic fertiliser. Effective Microorganisms (EM®) added to the organic matter work by way of competitive exclusion to create an environment in which fermentative anaerobes can dominate. This dominance leads to the break down of complex organic structures into simpler soluble ones to create a pre-digested food for the soil. The microbes also produce a number of bio-active substances, like enzymes, vitamins, antimicrobials and phytonutrients which favours the development of plants and helps prevent diseases. The application of Bokashi into and onto your soils will help create a healthier and more resilient soil.
On the 14th of August we have been glad to receive here the afro-italian band Zimboita who took us through a night of very involving music and dance..
The week after, on the 21st of August, we hosted another big band performing an amazing concert for us: Prem Joshua and his Band.
We've been busy maintaining our paths and buildings here at Centro d'Ompio. We've made some gentle renovations to our main building and Casa Felicina, putting stone, stone tiles and wood to good use in and around our seminar buildings. We renovated and added to our pathways, interior flooring, and terraces.
