The Holy Hermitage and Monastery of Camaldoli is situated in an ancient forest in the Tuscan Apennines. It was founded about 1023 by Saint Romuald, a Benedictine monk, with the permission of Tedald, Bishop of Arezzo. A few kilometers farther up the mountain is the "Sacred Hermitage," or Sacro Eremo which is the more ancient part of the fondation, directly established by St. Romuald. This has served as the heart of both community and the order which bears the location's name.