Holiday apartment in Monteluco: Bosco Sacro and the history of hermits

Monteluco combines dense woodland with a multifaceted religious and hermit history. The Bosco Sacro covers Monteluco, which lies 830 metres above sea level. Hermitages, a historic monastic tradition and paths through the sacred forest complement the character of this place.

Monteluco between the Bosco Sacro and the history of hermits

The dense vegetation of the Bosco Sacro covers Monteluco. The Bosco Sacro di Monteluco is designated as a Site of Community Importance and is also a Roman sacred forest protected by the Lex Luci Spoletina. The elevation, forest and Roman tradition of protection give this natural area a clearly recognisable cultural and historical dimension.

At the Centro visita Monteluco, an exhibition presents anthropological, historical, religious, geological, botanical and zoological aspects of the Bosco Sacro.

Traces of the hermits and monasteries

From the 6th century onwards, an important hermit movement developed in Monteluco. Its origins are traced back to the arrival of the Syrian anchorite Isaac of Syria in 528. The Abbazia di San Giuliano was built by Isaac of Syria in 528 and became a Benedictine monastery in the 6th century.

The Eremo di San Francesco is located in Monteluco at an altitude of 800 metres, near an ancient sacred forest and natural caves that were already visited by hermits in the early Christian period. Seven small cells from the brothers’ former dormitory have been preserved in the hermitage. The Pozzo di San Francesco is a central element of the hermitage; according to tradition, Francis had people dig for water at the highest point there, whereupon water began to spring from the well.

The Cappella di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria – the Porziuncola di Monteluco – is a very old hermitage associated with the Syrian hermit movement of the 6th century. The Eremo delle Grazie gained importance in the 16th century, when it was designated as a meeting place for the hermits and as the residence of the prior of their congregation.

Paths, the St. Francis Way and activities

The summit of the sacred forest can be reached by car via the SP 462 road. The trekking trail “la corta di Monteluco” also leads to the summit. Monteluco lies along the 10th stage of the St. Francis Way from Rome to Assisi; this stage is 17 kilometres long. Monteluco is also suitable for mountain biking, trekking and horseback riding.

The stage length of 17 kilometres is a concrete factor when planning a day of hiking. Those heading for the summit can plan the drive via the SP 462 and the trekking trail “la corta di Monteluco” as different ways of reaching the summit. Monteluco is also suitable for mountain biking and horseback riding. For those interested in culture, the Bosco Sacro, the Eremo di San Francesco and the Pozzo di San Francesco are specific historic sites at the centre of attention in Monteluco.

More destinations for planning your trip

More destinations for planning your trip include Sanguineto, Colle, Protte, Gualdo Cattaneo, Gubbio, Castiglione Del Lago, Corcia and Marcellano.

For the higher-level travel overview: Perugia.