In Abruzzo there is a place dug in the mountains, in one of the most evocative landscapes of the region. It is the hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio. In these territories the population of Abruzzo during the centuries has built a large number of sacred places. For this reason in Abruzzo you can find many hermitages erected in evocative environments and deep mysticism.
This hermitage in particular has a long history to discover and offers visitors many things to see. The uniqueness of the hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio consists in the fact that to reach it you need to walk a path inside the Natural Park of Maiella.
Hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio: where is it?
The hermitage of Saint Bartholomew in Legio is a place where he retired to meditate Pope Celestine V and which is still a pilgrimage destination for the faithful. It is a structure carved into the rock by hermit monks seeking refuge. This was obtained inside a rocky spur of about 50 meters. The hermitage is located in the heart of the Abruzzo mountains in the municipality of Roccamorice in the province of Pescara.
To reach the hermitage you need to walk a few tens of minutes Every year on August 25 a procession takes place here that attracts many pilgrims. At dawn the religious service is celebrated and then we move on the stream. Here following an ancient ritual all present get wet. Then the statue of San Bartolomeo is taken to the church of Roccamorice where it remains on display until September 6.
The history of the hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio
The hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio is dated from the fourth century and was excavated by hermit monks who fled from Sicily due to the arrival of the Arabs. In this period a chapel dedicated to the patron saint of Saint Bartholomew was added. In 1250 Pietro da Morrone, who later became Pope with the name of Celestine V, decided to take care of the restoration of the hermitage.
In 1274 he returned from Lyon where he received the recognition of his congregation of the Celestines from Pope Gregory X and moved here for two years. After two years of tranquility he was forced to leave this place because of the continuous arrival of pilgrims attracted by his growing fame. The current structure of the hermitage is the original one.
Hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio: what to see?
The visitor who comes to this place will find a hermitage carved into the rock that has protected it from the weather. The first part represents the balcony from which you access the structure. A stone wall protects the visitor from the overhang of the valley of Santo Spirito. In the middle of the balcony there is a staircase that leads below the hermitage. The facade of the building is decorated with two frescoes of the thirteenth century. The first depicts the Madonna and Child while the other represents Christ Blessing.
Foto : Percorsi
The hiking trails near the hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio
The path that leads to the hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio is part of a journey divided into six different stages and which is called Celestino’s path. This itinerary allows you to discover the nature of Abruzzo and appreciate its wonder. The walk takes place entirely within the Maiella National Park. Its charm is both historical and cultural, landscape and natural. It is a route of about 80 kilometers long that is divided into 6 different stages.
During the journey you can visit the , the hermitages and abbeys that marked the life of Pope Clement V. If you intend to visit only the hermitage of San Bartolomeo you can also walk the path that from Roccamorice comes over the hermitage. You must follow the path called of the Spirit on a dirt road and after turning left you reach an iron cross. From here the path narrows in the middle of a rich vegetation and then opens on the valley giving beautiful views.
Copertina: Percorsi
