Hermitage of Sant'Onofrio, Romanesque hermitage in Serramonacesca, Italy.
The Hermitage of Sant'Onofrio stands at 750 m on the Majella, in the commune of Serramonacesca, near the Abbey of San Liberatore. The Benedictines built it from natural cavities, then enlarged it considerably in 1948, especially in height. Inside the church, holes for the poles of the old roof remain above the altar; behind it, two doors open into the older core, with a low passage to a partly unexplored cave holding burial remains.
Benedictine monks from the Abbey of San Liberatore built the hermitage by adapting natural cavities in the rock face. It was extensively enlarged in 1948, especially upward, giving the structure its present height.
The hermitage is dedicated to Saint Onofrio and draws visitors seeking solace and healing through prayer. Pilgrims use the natural stone formations within as focal points for personal spiritual reflection.
Plan to spend around thirty minutes exploring the site and reach it by car via country roads to Serramonacesca in Pescara province. Year-round access is available, though sturdy footwear is advisable given the mountainous surroundings.
Behind the altar, a low opening leads into a cave that has never been fully explored and still holds burial remains. Nearby lies the so-called Cradle of Sant'Onofrio, a bed-like recess where the faithful lie down to ask for healing.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,132 contributors worldwide.