Top 4 Caves ロッカ・カンテラーノでの

really really very tiring

This place is linked to the figure of the blessed Lorenzo Loricato, a hermit who lived between the 12th and 13th centuries, known for his life of penance and contemplation. After a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela and leaving his family, Lorenzo chose to retreat to this area, living in an inhospitable and isolated cave, where he devoted himself to fasting, prayer and penance, feeding on wild herbs. The hermitage consists of some cells dug into the rock, which still today bear witness to the presence of hermits and the desire for spiritual isolation. Over time, the place has become a destination for pilgrimages and of great interest for those who love the spirituality and nature of the Simbruini. The position of the hermitage, overlooking a rocky spur that dominates the Aniene valley, offers a suggestive panorama and an atmosphere of meditation. The hermitage can be reached via hiking trails that cross woods and landscapes typical of the Lazio Apennines.

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.

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.

The Monastery of San Benedetto is an important spiritual place, built almost a thousand years ago to guard the cave where the young Benedetto da Norcia spent his hermit life before dedicating himself to the cenobitic life. Even today, the Sacro Speco emanates the intense and courageous spiritual choice of the young Benedict, inspiring visitors.

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.

This monastery was built about 1000 years ago, with the aim of guarding the cave in which Benedict of Norcia lived a hermit's life.

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