The Sanctuary of San Romedio is one of the main destinations for a hike in Val di Non, in Trentino. It is a very important example of Christian-medieval art, as well as a place of pilgrimage that stands on a limestone cliff over 70 meters high..
Surrounded by wild and unspoiled nature, it consists of several churches and chapels built directly on the rock. The various buildings are connected to each other by a steep yet spectacular staircase of 131 steps.
Among the chapels, the oldest dates back to the 11th century, to which over the years have been added three small churches, two other chapels and seven Passion shrines. For this reason, it is one of the most beloved and visited Italian sanctuaries and owes its name to the hermit Romedio of Thaur, heir to a wealthy family. The man, after a pilgrimage to Rome, decided to abandon all wealth and dedicate himself to the search for God and meditation.
Among the legends surrounding this evocative place, the bear story is certainly the best known. According to the story passed down through the centuries, during a journey towards Trento, Romedio was attacked by a bear which, after devouring his horse, was tamed by the hermit, who continued the journey riding the animal. riding the animal.
How to Get to the Sanctuary of San Romedio
Reaching the Sanctuary of San Romedio is not difficult and you can use a car, or take a beautiful and evocative walk. In the first case, you must choose a period of low season, because during summer the road is closed to traffic to allow the flow of tourists and pilgrims.
If you decide to use the car in the period of low season, you can drive up to the sanctuary and leave it in the convenient parking lot a few minutes from San Romedio. If, instead, you decide to visit during high season, then you will have to park in one of the two parking lots near the town of Sanzeno. From here you can take one of the shuttle buses that leave every 20 minutes, or walk about two and a half kilometers on the evocative rock path..
Alternatively, as mentioned, you can reach the Sanctuary of San Romedio on foot, taking one of the trails that lead to the hermitage. The most important and well-knownis the one just mentioned, namely the rock path from Sanzeno to San Romedio.It is a spectacular cliffside route, among rocks and wooden walkways, and is about two and a half kilometers long..
What to See
The attractions offered by the Sanctuary of San Romedio to visitors and pilgrims who crowd these places every year are many, starting with its unique architecture in the world. As already mentioned, the complex consists of five churches and chapels built in different eras and connected by a long staircase..
Visiting the complex is a truly fascinating experience, a real journey through time.From the modern café, in fact, you move to the chapels with their frescoes and works of art.Finally, you reach the oldest part of the sanctuary, dating back up to a thousand years ago.
The church and choose the event organized that you prefer. You will live a unique and exclusive experience and you will be able to make new friendships.