Timeless Patterns: The Wonder of Roman Mosaics
Join us on-site for an immersive 7-day creative retreat on the Camino de Santiago
July 12 - 20, 2026
Explore the rich geometry of ancient Roman mosaics.
Immerse yourself in art, history and nature—drawing inspiration from timeless patterns and exquisite earth colours.
What to expect
Enjoy poetic presentations – on the art of the Camino and a deep dive into the beautiful world of mosaics.
Experience hands-on geometry – use the traditional tools of ruler and compass to construct stunning geometric designs.
Immerse yourself in an inspiring visit – to the exquisitely preserved Roman Villa of La Olmeda.
Soak in the Camino – savor quiet, contemplative walks in between sessions in breathtaking surroundings.
Villa of La Olmeda
Visit one of the largest and best-preserved Roman mosaic floors in the world.
Recently rediscovered in a farmer’s field and now housed in a striking modern structure, we will explore a vast collection (1,500 sqm – 15,000 sqft) of interwoven patterns, each distinct yet harmoniously connected, culminating in the breathtaking Oecus masterpiece.
Our Journey
A Journey Through Time & Sacred Art – This retreat opens a window into 2,000 years of geometric art, linking ancient Roman mosaics to the later sacred art traditions that flourished along the Camino.
A Pilgrim’s Perspective – Just as the Camino weaves diverse cultures and histories, discover how Roman mosaics reflect interconnected artistic traditions across the Mediterranean and beyond, enriching our journey with new layers of meaning.
Beyond Aesthetics: a deep exploration – More than just beautiful patterns, explore how Roman mosaics carry symbolic meaning, offering insight into the principles of proportion, harmony and unity in diversity.
Universal Patterns – explore the profound structure of geometric designs—spirals, pointed stars, weaves, and the starcut diagram—uncovering how they interact to create visual harmony.
Colours of the Earth –Through the contemplative act of painting with hand-prepared earth pigments from the Camino, bring your designs to life, enriched by the beautiful, natural hues of the land.
Be immersed in Beauty - Nestled in the serene retreat center dedicated to sacred arts and pilgrimage, enjoy this spacious time to connect with these timeless patterns, the earth and yourself.
More than a workshop
Rooted in place — this retreat provides a space to discover, slow down, create and reconnect.
Situated in an ancient setting — take walks in nature in between sessions, enjoy a local pilgrim’s labyrinth or simply soak in the landscape letting the atmosphere of the Camino inspire you.
Location & Accommodation
You will be staying in one of the most beautiful villages in all of Spain as voted by National Geographic.
Castrillo de los Polvazares dates back from Celtic time through to the 16th century. Enjoy stunning views at every turn. The retreat centre, lovingly restored in recent years, maintains its traditional architecture with heart and soul.
Enjoy delicious home cooked meals under the pergola shaded by an old vine and fruit trees. You will be staying in charming ensuite rooms at Flores, or at the nearby hotel (150m away) with stunning views overlooking the village, church and rural landscape.
*Extend your stay further and experience pre-Romanesque, Romanesque and Gothic designs as we journey to Asturias in the Sacred Windows retreat (July 23-31, 2026).*
Join both retreats and receive a discount.
A unique opportunity
Continue your exploration beyond Roman mosaics by joining the retreat right after this one. This next chapter will take you into the heart of Asturias, where sacred architecture and breathtaking landscapes await.
With a two-day break in between, you can choose to either rest at the retreat centre, explore the nearby historic town of Astorga or walk the local section of the Camino.
More information below.
Your Facilitators
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Bertrand is a leading expert in the use of geometry in sacred architecture and has made extensive research in the field. He is an experienced retreat facilitator and educator, teaching on creative and contemplative practices and teaches geometry as a contemplative, hands on practice.
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Clarissa Grandi (MEd) is a geometric artist, author, and experienced teacher. First and foremost an educator, her passion is introducing beginner artists to the truly accessible art of geometry. She delights in sharing her ideas, materials, and techniques with others, and her background in mathematics teaching enables her to demonstrate and explain difficult concepts simply and clearly. In her own artmaking she enjoys exploring the interplay between the precision of human-made geometry and the more organic and chaotic geometries and symmetries found in nature.
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Basia is an artist, educator, experienced retreat facilitator and pilgrimage guide, living and working on the Camino.With a masters from the Kings's School of Traditional Arts she specialises in the use of geometry in traditional arts, craft & philosophy. Her creative practice spans various mediums, including foraging, preparing and painting with natural earth pigments.
What is a retreat?
Workshops are often mainly skill-focused and goal-oriented, while retreats are also experience-focused. Along the way, you will not only gain valuable skills and insights but will also be invited into deeper connection—with the land, history, yourself and others.
Start the day gently with silent breakfasts. Appreciate time spent in community as well as quiet moments for reflective and creative activities.
Different to a sightseeing or educational tour, our immersive visits will focus more on the quality of the encounter and a contemplative experience of place.
Is this retreat for me?
No prior skills or artistic abilities are required, only a curious and open mind. We welcome people from all walks of life, all faiths or none.
If the following describes you, then you are a perfect fit for this retreat:
I appreciate moments of quietness & times of reflection.
I give space to others and can listen.
I value community experiences as well as my own individual journey.
What’s included
Private transport from & to Madrid airport
See times & pick up point details.
If you prefer to arrive independently to the retreat centre, see how to get here.
Accommodation
All accommodation consists of individual ensuite bedrooms.
Food
All meals are included except one lunch taken outside the retreat centre.
Dietary requirements
We cater for the following dietary requirements: vegetarian, gluten-free, carb-free, dairy-free. Contact us regarding other diets.
Sessions & outings
All equipment, materials, site entries and transport fares for visits are included.
What’s not included
Flights
Insurances (travel, health, etc.)
One restaurant lunch when we visit La Olmeda (25 ~ 35€)
If you book both retreats:
Three lunches are not provided in between the two retreats.
There are restaurants in the village, in Astorga or along the Camino.
Book this retreat
To register you will be requested to pay a non-refundable initial deposit. Please ensure you read this Summary of Terms & Conditions.
Roman Mosaics retreat
July 12 - 20, 2026 3,100 €
* Unique offer *
Roman Mosaics & Sacred Windows Retreats
July 12 - 30, 2026 6,200 € 5,800 €