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Italy’s Tibetan community is small but deeply connected to a rich network of Tibetan Buddhist dharma centres spread across the country. Tibetans live primarily in Milan, Rome, and the surrounding regions, with a number of individuals and families also settled in Florence, Turin, and northern Italy. Many arrived through Italy’s humanitarian visa programme and have built lives in Italian society while remaining closely connected to the global Tibetan diaspora.
Italy is notable for its strong tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, home to the Istituto Lama Tsong Khapa in Pomaia (near Pisa) one of Europe’s most important Tibetan Buddhist study centres, offering long-term programmes in Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and Tibetan language. Several Rigpa and Kagyu dharma centres operate across Italian cities, providing a spiritual home for both Tibetans and Italian practitioners. In a landmark moment for the European Tibetan diaspora, Italian city Milan hosted the 3rd General Meeting of European Tibetan Associations, bringing together community representatives from across the continent to strengthen coordination and cultural preservation efforts. Weekend Tibetan language and cultural classes are organised for children in the Italian Tibetan community, supported by the wider network of European Tibetan organisations and the Office of Tibet in Brussels.
Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa in Pomaia, Tuscany, founded in 1977, is one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist centers in the Western world. Set in the rolling Tuscan hills, the institute offers traditional multi-year programs in Buddhist philosophy, meditation retreats, and teachings by visiting lamas including His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It serves as a major pilgrimage destination for Western Buddhists.
Italy hosts a rich calendar of Tibetan events — from teachings at the Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa in Pomaia to Losar celebrations and Tibet advocacy events in Milan and Rome, dharma retreats, and cultural festivals across the country.