Eremo di San Leonardo


Useful Information

Location: Roccantica.
(42.31213632552154, 12.705482720331995)
Open: no restrictions.
[2021]
Fee: free.
[2021]
Classification: SubterraneaCave Church
Light: LightIncandescent Electric Light System
Dimension:
Guided tours: self guided
Photography: allowed
Accessibility: no
Bibliography:
Address: Comune di Roccantica, Via dei Nobili 3, Roccantica 02040 Rieti, Tel: +39-076563020, Fax +39-076563809. E-mail:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
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History


Description

The Eremo di San Leonardo (hermitage of San Leonardo) is dating back to the 8th-9th century. It was the place where Leonardo da Noblac was searching for an ascetic life and solitude. It was his hermitage, but actually he lived in the cave in its natural state. The ruins in the cave are certainly the work of a follower of the Saint. Two small rooms were built into the small cave, one for living, the other for prayer. There is also a well, which mysteriously always maintains the same level. Later the walls were decorated with frescoes, depicting San Leonardo and Santa Caterina.

The hiking trail to the hermitage starts at the Piazza S. Valentino in Roccantica. The walk to the hermitage and back takes about 1.5 hours. On certain occasions the municipality offers guided tours.