Since the fifth century there is talk of monks who came from ancient times Syria up to Valnerina. It was since then that Eastern monasticism was integrated with Benedictine monasticism and a famous monk became its icon: Saint Benedict of Norcia, afterwards, Patron ofEurope.
Let's see which are the places in the Valnerina where you can find your own intimacy, rediscover moments of prayer and devote yourself to meditation and understanding of oneself. You may find other people who are gods like you Pilgrims looking for a moment of peace in these places surrounded by nature and tranquility to live this experience to the fullest of serenity.
A legend and two Syrian monks: Felice and Mauro
The abbey of Santi Felice and Mauroin Umbria, is an icon of Valnerina.
Its history dates back to very ancient times, almost 1500 years ago. In the Val di Narco, a father Mauro with his son Felce he settled in a cave living a hermit life of work, prayers and fasting. This family was esteemed by the inhabitants of the valley because of theirs worthy choice. For this reason this church now stands in their memory.
The hermitage of the Madonna dello scoglio in Valnerina
In the municipality of Arrochar, It is the santuario of the Madonna dello Scoglio. It stands next to a large rock wall; hence the name.
It is characteristic for having a small sacristy and a church, which is also very small. Here, in particular, a fresco of the Madonna and Child painted on the rock. During the summer there is the climax of a procession and it is tradition that the local men, rifles in their arms, shoot in the air from one side of the valley to the other.
The hermitage of Sant'Antonio Abate
Speaking of the hermitage of Sant'Antonio Abate in Valnerina we immediately focus on two particular things: the first, a consecrated cave and, the second, the Romanesque church. Of the church, which was already the site of pagan celebrations, there is a large Renaissance portal supported by a bell gable.
Inside there are many frescoes, whose origin is unknown, and two famous statues: that of Saint Anthony of Padua and that of Antonio Abate.
photo by Marcuscalabresus - CC BY-SA 3.0
Two large processions arrive at the Hermitage every year. The first in January and the second in June. They both start from Church of St. Michael the Archangel and give thanks to the two saints who consecrated him. In this Hermitage the faithful, during Sant'Antonio, on January 17th, wet the knees with the water coming out of the rock. It is said prevent and cure rheumatic and joint pains.
A small hermitage become a church
Near Piedipaterno in Valnerina there is the church of the Hermit. The church was built on a hermit site and has distinctive features compared to other Romanesque churches in the area. The cross-shaped crypt is its symbol, the only one in the area. Inside there are remains of frescoes dating back to the sixteenth century. Unfortunately, some important works have been stolen. Among them, the statue of the Madonna dell'Eremita, later found in a Milanese art house and donated to the local community.
Hermitage of the Stella in Valnerina
The history of this hermitage in Valnerina dates back to the eighth century, along some ancient routes between Walnut Valley , Marta Valley. The sanctuary with the attached caves are positioned in a shady bottleneck between the Mount May and Mount Porretta. A stream will accompany you to the hermitage and, finally, will form a small waterfall right near the Sanctuary.
The writer Marco Franceschini he wrote: “In the middle of two very high mountains, where you can see nothing but two palms of heaven. Here you will find the ideal place to devote yourself to meditation and prayer ".
