Top 4 Caves チチリアーノでの

really really very tiring

A unique historical and spiritual complex, carved into the rock along the walls of the Aniene valley. These hermitages are linked to the figure of Saint Benedict of Norcia, who stayed there briefly in 503. During his time at San Cosimato, it is said that the monks attempted to poison him, but the vessel containing the poison miraculously shattered when Benedict blessed it with the sign of the cross. The caves, accessible via a staircase carved into the rock, include a rock chapel dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, rich in frescoes, and an ossuary. The convent above, built later by Benedictine monks, was dedicated to the saintly doctors Cosma and Damiano. This place combines history, art and spirituality in a suggestive naturalistic context.

A place full of surprises and wonderful views! Challenging due to the climbs and steps but absolutely worth it!

You enter the park of Villa Gregoriana

The Sanctuary of Mentorella is one of the oldest Marian sanctuaries in Europe. Inside the sanctuary there is the cave of San Benedetto, a truly special place: it is a tiny cave which is accessed via a very narrow gap in the rock. Right at the entrance there is a shrine with the bones of the friars. In the sanctuary there is also a small refuge that is always open, with bathrooms and tables.

Once at the Sanctuary it is worth looking out at the Grotta di San Benedetto. A small cave in the mountain at the entrance to which there is a case with the bones of some Benedictines.

A natural cave into which the Aniene river flows after giving a show of its wonderful waterfalls.

The Sanctuary of Mentorella – the most ancient in Italy – was founded thanks to  Costanthine, the first Christian emperor, 1800 years ago