Vallombrosa Center in Menlo Park is located on a ten-acre site that was originally the home of E.W. Hopkins, the nephew of the noted Mark Hopkins.  The Hopkins home, built during the Civil War period, remains a most important part of the Center.  Originally a simple wooden structure, it was later expanded and the Italianate touches that characterize it were added at that time.

The ten acres on which Vallombrosa is situated are graced by trees from all over the world.  The gingko tree of Chinese origin, located in front of the Old Mansion, is the largest of its kind in the area.  These trees, and the interplay of the sun and shadow which they provide, undoubtedly influenced Mr. Hopkins in his choice of a name for his estate.

The name Vallombrosa literally means "Shady Glen" and it attaches to a beautiful forested area southeast of Florence, Italy.  It was there in 1095 that St. John Gualbert established a monastery of Benedictine monks which survives to this day.  At one point in his life, John Milton visited that monastery, and he referred to the "shady glens of Vallombrosa" in his Paradise Lost.

Vallombrosa was purchased by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco in 1947 to serve as a retreat house for women.  Over the years its purpose has expanded, and, while still serving as a retreat house, the Center also sponsors and hosts a broad variety of seminars and programs of a spiritual and educational nature.  The present facility, with its prayerful chapel and housing accommodations, was completed in 1964. The special character of the buildings reflect the spiritual sensitivity of the late and noted architect,
Mr. Shigenon Iyama.

Vallombrosa continues to fulfill its mission through its beautiful grounds, peaceful atmosphere and friendly, helpful staff.  It is a particularly appropriate locale for groups seeking a quiet and serene setting for meetings.