The Hermitage of St. Benedict

Following in the footsteps of the saints is as challenging as it is rewarding. Benedict, the patron saint of Europe, was born in Norcia and died in Cassino. He founded the order that bears his name and his monasteries in the Aniene Valley. Countless are the stories of the renowned Saint. One in particular is really curious. If you cannot wait to find out what it is about, visit the Monastery of San Cosimato along the Via Tiburtina Valeria. Walk through the portico and its iron gate. Once you walk down the stairs, you will discover an amazing place. Venture into the monks’ ancient dwellings, the so-called “Tartar” caves overlooking the Aniene River. Among these, the oratory of San Michele preserves precious frescoes. A scene on the right wall shows a table, around which the monks sit to have their meals with Benedict. Some monks, who are reluctant to accept his “Rule”, are in actual fact attempting to kill him with poisoned wine; but when the Saint makes the sign of the cross over the glass, it suddenly shatters!

If you want to get to know the most charming place related to the life of St. Benedict, go back to the Via Tiburtina Valeria until you reach the crossroads to follow the Via Sublacense. This road was constructed for emperor Nero, whose villa was located in this area. Benedict founded the first monasteries right among the ruins of the emperor’s palace. This place is also home to the small, charming lake of St. Benedict! Continue your way until you reach the Sacro Speco, where the saint lived alone for years. The sanctuary, abutting the mountain like a swallow’s nest, was later built around the Holy Cave! Walk past gorgeous medieval frescoes and go down the stairs until you reach the Speco. Ancient place of worship and popular destination for pilgrimages, the Sanctuary showcases the only portrait of St. Francis executed when the saint was still alive!