Hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio

A marvel of art and nature, the Hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio is a place of extraordinary beauty and spirituality located in the municipality of Roccamorice in the province of Pescara, in the heart of the Maiella National Park. This ancient hermitage, dating back to the 11th century, was built in 1250 at the behest of Pietro da Morrone (the future Pope Celestine V).

Hidden in the stone and nestled in a valley of multicoloured rocks, the hermitage stands on a rocky spur 700 metres above sea level, offering a breathtaking view and an atmosphere of peace and meditation.

The complex includes a church and two small rooms for hermits, located on a rocky balcony. To reach it, you have to climb one of four staircases carved into the stone, including the impressive Scala Santa (Holy Staircase).

The characteristic façade of the church still retains traces of a fresco depicting a monstrance and two panels, one with the figure of Christ and the other with the Virgin and Child. The most evocative element is the water spring located along the left wall, which flows out of the church through a small channel, creating a unique sight that adds further spiritual meaning and a sense of fusion with the surrounding nature.

The spring is called Fonte Catenacce because of an engraving that recalls the latch of a door. The façade of the hermitage retains traces of frescoes, unfortunately damaged by time, while the rectangular interior houses a wooden statue of St Bartholomew holding a knife, the symbol of his martyrdom by flaying.

This statue is the focus of an ancient procession on 25 August, when the believers carry it to the Capo la Vena stream for a ritual bath, and then bring it back to the village church until early September.

If you are looking for a place to retreat from your thoughts and emotions and experience the spiritual depth and beauty of nature, the Hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio is your destination.

Ph credit: Tourist photographic archive of the Abruzzo Region