Santuario della Foresta, Catholic pilgrimage church in Rieti, Italy
The Santuario della Foresta is a Catholic pilgrimage church set in wooded hills just outside Rieti, in the Lazio region of central Italy. It consists of a small church and a convent area surrounded by trees and a stream that runs close to the walls.
The site was used as a retreat for monks in the early 13th century, in an area of forest that had long drawn religious communities near Rieti. Francis of Assisi came here in 1225 to receive treatment for a serious eye condition, and this visit left a lasting mark on the place.
The sanctuary is dedicated to Francis of Assisi, who spent time here during a period of illness, and this connection gives the place a tone of simplicity and stillness. Visitors can step inside a small chapel where candles are lit and prayers are left by people passing through.
The sanctuary sits a few kilometers outside Rieti along a narrow road through the woods, so driving or cycling is the easiest way to get there. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk the surrounding paths, as the ground can be uneven near the stream.
During his stay in 1225, Francis of Assisi is said to have composed or completed the Canticle of the Sun here, one of the earliest known poems written in Italian. An outdoor stone monument marks this moment and is easy to walk past without stopping.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
