Hermitage of Montecasale

The hermitage of Montecasale is one of the most important places linked to the life of Saint Francis. It was the Saint himself who founded the hermitage inside a pre-existing building donated to him by the bishop of Città di Castello. It is also said that the wooden statue of the Madonna with Child was brought by Francis himself, even if there is no certain evidence of this. Its current appearance dates back to the 16th century. Outside the convent are visible: the source of “Grappa l'Orso” where the three thieves drank; the fountain of San Francesco, according to some, created by himself; the Sasso Spicco, where it is said that Francis competed with a nightingale in singing the praises of God, and the little garden where, according to tradition, Francis tested the ability of obedience of two young men eager to become friars.

On the pilgrimage route lies the town of Monte Casale, a place full of memories of Saint Francis in the forests of Valtiberina. On the way over the Alpe della Luna, a small monastery was built by Camaldolese monks in 1192. The complex, set in the woods and between watercourses, included a hospital and a hospice whose mission was to accommodate hikers.
The history of the hermitage of Montecasale took a new turn in 1213: it was donated to Saint Francis by the Bishop of Citta di Castello and became a place of utmost importance for Franciscan spirituality and tradition.
The hermitage is now the result of a restoration in the Renaissance style. The complex still preserves the original layout, characteristic of the oldest Franciscan monasteries, with the series of small buildings related to the monastic functions. The oldest surviving work of art is a valuable multicolored wooden sculpture of the Madonna and Child, rescued from the ruins of the nearby castle and brought here by Saint Francis. However, this is not the only trace that reminds us of the saint's presence in this place: the stone on which he slept, a crucifix, three small urns with some relics, two skulls of the three thieves he converted - the whole hermitage is rich in memories of Saint Francis.

The hermitage of Montecasale is the center of Francis' spirituality. It was founded in 1213 by St. Francis himself founded and is an example of a perfectly inserted into nature architecture. The simple hermitage is located at 700 m altitude in the green of the Apennines, surrounded by forests and small streams. From the church of wood and stone you can reach a boulder over a very small passage in the rock, where the st. Francis prayed and rested, as well as the monk's cells. In the small monastery with stone roof you could meditate in peace, while enjoying in the outdoor area a breathtaking panorama of Sansepolcro and the entire valley.
The hl. Francis often stayed here and some incidents of his life are associated with this place; the most important one tells of the conversion of "three robbers" who were moved by the generosity and love of the saint.