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All Italy Hermitage of Saint Onuphrius

Hermitage of Saint Onuphrius

A two-hour hike in the Orfento Valley leads to the remote ruins.

Italy

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Jan Claus Di Blasio
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The hermitage.   LatiumMirabile / Atlas Obscura User
The hermitage and the remains of the church.   LatiumMirabile / Atlas Obscura User
The view on the Majella from the hermitage.   LatiumMirabile / Atlas Obscura User
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About

At about 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) above sea level, the ruins of the small hermitage named after Saint Onuphrius provide a breathtaking view over the nature reserve of the Orfento Valley and the peaks of the Majella National Park.

This small stone structure, built like other hermitages in the region against the rock, still preserves some traces of wall painting and a general outline of its architectural plan. Devotees of Saint Onuphrius leave wooden crosses at the site. According to tradition, Saint Onuphrius was a fifth-century hermit who possessed no earthly goods and covered his body exclusively with his long hair and beard. 

The history of this hermitage is uncertain, as it is not listed among the hermitages founded by the Pope and Hermit Celestine V. The site was already abandoned in the 19th century, and it was used as a shelter by travelers, farmers, shepherds, and even resistance fighters hiding from the German troops in World War II. Local lore also recounts the hermitage's use as a burial site for those who died in the mountains.

Related Tags

Ruins Saints Trails Hiking Parks

Know Before You Go

A permit to hike the trails of the Valle dell'Orfento must be requested at the headquarters of the Nature Reserve in Caramanico Terme. 

On the mountain cliffs above, there is another important heritage (Sant'Angelo all'Orfento), which can only be reached by a different trail.

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Added By

LatiumMirabile

Published

November 19, 2019

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Sources
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onuphrius
Hermitage of Saint Onuphrius
Unnamed Road
65023
Italy
42.149648, 14.073548

Nearby Places

Eremo di San Giovanni all'Orfento (Hermitage of Saint John all'Orfento)

Caramanico Terme, Italy

miles away

Tavole dei Briganti

Pennapiedimonte, Italy

miles away

Valle Giumentina

Pacentro, Italy

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Italy

Italy

Europe

Places 1,071
Stories 111

Nearby Places

Eremo di San Giovanni all'Orfento (Hermitage of Saint John all'Orfento)

Caramanico Terme, Italy

miles away

Tavole dei Briganti

Pennapiedimonte, Italy

miles away

Valle Giumentina

Pacentro, Italy

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Italy

Italy

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