Hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio

The hermitage stands on a rocky spur at 700 meters above sea level, carved into the limestone cliffs of Majella National Park.

Pietro da Morrone, later Pope Celestine V, restored this pre-11th century structure around 1250 and lived there for two years after 1274.

Every August 25, locals carry a wooden statue of Saint Bartholomew in procession after bathing in the Capo la Vena stream.

The trail to reach the hermitage starts at Decontra, taking 30 minutes each way with some exposed sections requiring careful attention.

The structure includes a chapel and two rooms carved directly into rock, accessed by four different stone staircases cut into the mountain.

Location: Roccamorice

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

GPS coordinates: 42.18210,14.03830

Latest update: May 13, 2025 06:06