Pope Benedict XVI left Castel Gandolofo Monday for his summer holiday in the mountain town of Bressanone in Italy's northern Alto Adige region.
The pope is expected to devote his two-week break to drafting a keenly awaited encyclical on social issues and working on the second part of his worldwide bestseller Jesus of Nazareth. The pope will get away from it all in the remote town and his only public duties will be two Angelus services, a meeting with local clergy and a ceremony in which he will be granted honorary citizenship. Keeping Benedict company will be his brother Georg and a black cat called Milly.
Georg Ratzinger, who is also a priest, shares the pope's love of music, and a grand piano has been installed at the medieval seminary in the German-speaking town where the pair will stay until August 11.
The feline-loving pontiff will also spend time with Milly, the seminary cat, who will be cared for by sister superior Maria Pieta' - the only person apart from rector Ivo Muser who will remain at the seminary during the pope's holiday.
The diocese said Benedict will stay in an apartment decorated in ''extremely sober'' style, reading, playing music and enjoying strolls in the mountains during his visit.
Built in 1050, the seminary was once used as a stop-off by pilgrims crossing the Brenner Pass on their way to Rome.
Following later rebuilding, it now boasts Rococo finishings, a small church, a well-stocked library and stunning mountain views.
The pope is set to give his customary Sunday Angelus address from the town square on August 3 and August 10, while Bressanone Mayor Alberto Puergstaller said the pontiff will receive honorary citizenship on August 9.
Although this will be Benedict's first stay in the town as pope, he already knows it well.
He first visited Bressanone in 1970 with Georg and his older sister Maria and has also spent time at the seminary while he was a cardinal.
Last year he chose Lorenzago di Cadore near Belluno in the Veneto for his summer break, after two consecutive years spent at a chalet in Les Combes, Valle D'Aosta.