Hermitage of Sant'Egidio

The Hermitage of Sant'Egidio is a Romanesque religious structure situated on a hilltop outside Scanno, featuring a quadrangular facade and a small circular window above the entrance. The simple architectural design emphasizes functional forms characteristic of the Romanesque style.

The chapel was founded in 1612 and underwent major restoration work in 1780 carried out by Pasquale Mancinelli, Michele Parente, and Nicola Ricciotti. This significant renovation shaped the structure as it appears today.

The interior displays a fresco of Saint Giles above a simple altar, with holy water basins at the entrance showing carved animal masks. This blend of religious function and artistic detail reflects local craftsmanship from the period when the structure was built.

Access is by following a marked path from the village of Scanno that leads directly to Sant'Egidio hill. The route is walkable on foot and offers views of the surrounding countryside along the way.

The door lintel bears an inscription dated 1675 marking when local residents sought Saint Giles's intervention during a plague outbreak affecting the area. This carving preserves a moment when the community turned to this site for spiritual protection.

Location: Scanno, Abruzzo

Inception: 1612

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

Website: https://web.archive.org/web/20150413183843/http://www.scanno.org/le_chiese_di_scanno.htm

GPS coordinates: 41.91236,13.87452

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:43