Umbria, always a crossroads of spirituality and mysticism, is a territory that enchants not only for its breathtaking landscapes and medieval villages but especially for the profound stillness emanating from its places of worship.
These sanctuaries are not just simple churches but true treasure chests guarding centuries-old stories of faith, artistic masterpieces, and a sense of peace that perfectly merges with the surrounding nature. We invite you on a journey into the soul of Umbria, to discover the most evocative sanctuaries that deserve a visit to refresh the spirit and admire their beauty.
Assisi and the Places of the Little Poor Man
Assisi is the undisputed center of Umbrian spirituality, but beyond the famous Basilica of Saint Francis, the seraphic city and its surroundings offer unique refuges for prayer, immersed in silence.
- Eremo delle Carceri (Assisi)
Perched about 800 meters above sea level, on the slopes of Mount Subasio, the Eremo delle Carceri (Hermitage of the Prisons) is the place where Saint Francis and his companions retreated for prayer and contemplation. It is not a literal “prison,” but a place of enclosure and spiritual retreat.
- The Evocation: A dense forest of ancient holm oaks surrounds small caves carved into the rock and the small convent. Stepping across the threshold is like taking a leap back eight centuries, immersing oneself in a silent and primordial spirituality.
- Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli – La Porziuncola (Assisi)
Located on the plain below Assisi, the majestic 17th-century Basilica was built to protect and honor the beating heart of Franciscanism.
- The History: Inside, you find the Porziuncola, the tiny church that Francis restored and where he fully understood his vocation. It is a moving experience to see the humility of this stone hut enclosed by the grandeur of the Basilica.
Bastions of Faith in the Valnerina
Moving towards the southeast, the Valnerina mountains hide places of worship born from the rock, symbols of intense devotion, often linked to miraculous events.
- Sanctuary of Santa Rita da Cascia (Cascia)
Cascia, nestled in the Umbrian Apennines, is an international pilgrimage destination thanks to the figure of Santa Rita, the “Saint of the Impossible.”
- The Significance: The complex, which includes the Basilica and the Monastery, is a beacon of hope and charity. Its elevated position offers a view of the mountain landscape that contributes to a sense of spiritual elevation and inner peace.
- Sanctuary of Merciful Love (Collevalenza, Todi)
Also known as the “Little Lourdes” of Umbria, the Sanctuary of Collevalenza (near Todi) is an example of modern sacred architecture.
- The Peculiarity: Founded by Mother Speranza di Gesù (Hope of Jesus), it is a center of worship and welcome known for its devotion to Merciful Love and for its pools, where the faithful seek purification and comfort.
Hidden Gems: Art and Popular Tradition
Umbria also preserves lesser-known but highly fascinating sanctuaries, where popular faith manifests through unique art forms.
- Sanctuary of the Madonna del Bagno (Deruta)
A few kilometers from the ceramics town, Deruta, lies this small and singular sanctuary.
- The Uniqueness: Its walls are entirely decorated with thousands of ceramic ex-votos, colorful tiles donated by the faithful over the centuries as a sign of grace received. It is an open-air museum of popular devotion, an emotional testament to the link between art, craftsmanship, and faith.
- Hermitage of Santa Maria Giacobbe (Pale, Foligno)
For those who love wild and less accessible places, the Hermitage of Pale is an unmissable destination.
- The Evocation: This hermitage is literally set into the rock face overlooking the Menotre Gorge, near the village of Pale. It offers a spectacular panorama and an atmosphere of authentic hermitage, almost an eagle’s nest suspended in time and space.
Umbria awaits you for a journey that is not just touristic but profoundly internal. Every sanctuary visited is an opportunity to reflect, marvel, and rediscover the beauty born from the fusion of human spirituality and the grandeur of nature.
