Built almost a thousand years ago, its purpose is to protect the cave where the young Benedict of Norcia spent a period of his life as a hermit. Today, as then, the Sacro Speco places visitors in the presence of the intense and courageous spiritual choice made by the young Benedict.
The Monastery of San Benedetto
Characterized by the complex relationship between architecture and rock, the structure is the result of continuous modifications that have taken place over a thousand years of history.
Of particular value inside are the frescoes of the Roman Popular School (13th century) and the Sienese School (14th century). Among the incredible decorative richness of the churches, the oldest existing portrait of St. Francis of Assisi, which arrived here in 1223 AD, stands out.
History
St. Benedict remained in retreat for three years in a solitary cave on Mount Taleo, at only seventeen years of age! Through this period of solitude spent in this harsh and wild place, St. Benedict was able to develop the charisma and spirituality that led him, in just a few years, to found the first monastic communities along the Aniene River valley: the embryo from which Western monasticism would develop.
And that same refuge (the “Sacro Speco”) is still contained within the monastery today, carved into the rock overlooking the Aniene valley.
For further information: www.camminiditalia.it
