THE CELESTINE PATH

Discovering the Majella hermitages

A journey to discover the authentic and unspoilt nature of the Majella National Park, a green, rich and wild land, characterized by century-old beech woods and majestic barren peaks, flowery meadows and paths leading to solitary hermitages set in the rock.

During the 3-day trek you will visit some of the most evocative hermitages of Pope Celestine V, born Pietro da Morrone, who lived around 1260 and spent years in these places. The hermitages are reached through thousand-old paths walked by shepherds and hermits who lived in these cramped dwellings dug in the stone, silent places devoted to prayer and meditation, ideal for contemplating a primitive and mystical nature.

The route is 18.6-km long, and is covered in 2 days (9h and 30')

Piedi

Travelling time on foot:

2 Days

STAGE 1 - VILLAGE OF ROCCAMORICE

Day 1

Arrival at the municipality of Roccamorice (Chieti), 520 metres above sea level.

STAGE 2 - THE HERMITAGES OF SANTO SPIRITO AND SAN GIOVANNI

Day 2: In the footsteps of Celestine V

Transfer by car to the starting point of the path that will take you to two of the most fascinating Majella hermitages: the hermitage of Santo Spirito and the hermitage of San Giovanni. The route ends at Decontra (near Caramanico Terme), a small village with stone houses typical of this area.

STAGE 3 - HERMITAGE OF SAN BARTOLOMEO IN LEGIO

Day 3: In the footsteps of Celestine V

On this stretch of the route you will visit the lonely hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio, which blends in with the overhanging rocky ridge. The hermitage, built before 1000 AD, was restored by Pietro da Morrone, who lived here between 1274 and 1276. Along the path we can admire the tholos, agro-pastoral structures built entirely with dry stone and once used mainly as shelters.

THE CELESTINE PATH

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