Cascia, Religious pilgrimage town in southeastern Umbria, Italy
Cascia is a hillside town in the mountainous province of Perugia in Umbria, sitting at about 650 meters in elevation amid rolling countryside. It is home to a major basilica dedicated to Saint Rita, which holds artworks and attracts visitors seeking spiritual connection.
The settlement grew after the Roman town of Carsulae was destroyed by an earthquake in the first century before Christ. The medieval town that developed here eventually became known as a pilgrimage destination centered on Saint Rita.
Saint Rita is the spiritual center of the community, and her presence shapes how locals and visitors experience the town today. People gather at the basilica not just to pray but to participate in traditions and celebrations that have defined this place for generations.
The town is accessible by bus, with regular connections to nearby towns like Norcia and Perugia. The terrain is hilly, so visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for uphill paths.
Inside a glass shrine lies the heart of Saint Rita, preserved as a profound symbol of her veneration that has drawn pilgrims for generations. This intimate relic sets the place apart from other pilgrimage sites and makes a visit here feel personal and distinctive.
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