Cave of Saint Michael the Archangel

The Hermitage-Sanctuary rises among the wooded hills of the Treste river basin, in an area particularly rich in greenery and water.The ancient cave, not far from the town of Liscia, is about 10 meters deep and 3 meters wide. On the right side it has a large niche with a basin, considered a source of sacred water and a small channel that runs at the base of a stone seat provides for the disposal of the water. On the left, two low tunnels, now walled up, lead to the small living area reserved for hermits. In the center of the cave, in front of a niche, hidden by two pillars, there is a small altar, whose lighting is guaranteed by a small oil lamp. At the beginning of the eighteenth century, a small church was built in front of the cave by the will of the Marquis D'Avalos in order to welcome and host the numerous pilgrims who visited here. It is a simple construction with no particularities except for the truss covering the classroom which is the only element of interest. It preserves a wooden statue of the Archangel Gabriel attributed to the Neapolitan sculptor Giacomo Colombo, datable to the 18th century.