A 4-day itinerary to discover two emblems of spirituality, set in an overbearing nature that makes it the frame
Ciociaria: between spirituality and nature tour Highlights:
Alvito is a charming small town nestled in the picturesque countryside between Rome and Naples. With its rich history, medieval architecture, and breathtaking landscapes, Alvito offers a tranquil escape from bustling city life. Explore the narrow cobblestone streets of the historical centre, marvel at the majestic Alvito Castle, and immerse yourself in the town’s warm community spirit. Surrounded by rolling hills and olive groves, Alvito is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Relax at the hotel spa.
Today you will escape from the city to discover Subiaco, an oasis of peace surrounded by spectacular natural beauty, but rich in Italian history, art and culture. Here, together with your private guide, you will visit two monasteries that symbolize this city: the Monastery of St. St. St. Benedict and the Monastery of St. Benedict. Located in the Shrine of the Holy Speco, both monasteries have considerable historical and artistic value. Hidden, like a precious gem, among the rocky walls of Mount Taleo, the Shrine of the Sacred Speco overlooks the valley below. For almost a thousand years this natural and architectural treasure has guarded the mysteries of Benedictine spirituality and it is a place of pilgrimage. The “cave” alludes to the cave, still available, where at the beginning of the 6th century spent as a hermit the young Saint Benedict of Norcia. The lower monastery is dedicated to Saint Scolastica, sister of Benedict, the saint who lived as a hermit in a cave around which the upper monastery will develop. Perched on several levels and decorated with admirable frescoes, this place is still full of spirituality. Nature lovers can’t fail to enjoy some of the most beautiful walks these places offer. The Lake of St. Benedict is very impressive: it is surrounded by different types of plants, such as desperate and yellowish. There is also a tiny waterfall as the waters of the Aniene River flow into the lake. Relaxing at the hotel’s spa.
Surrounded by the evocative and naturalistic landscape of Mount Ernici stands the huge Certosa di Trisulti. It is a monastic complex dating back to 1204 and a paradise for herbalists because about 2,500 species of wild herbs can be found on these mountains. Since the Middle Ages, Carthusian monks prepared liqueurs and medicines such as Sambuca, a tradition so long and important that one of the best European monastic pharmacies is found here. It was totally frescoed between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. In the eighteenth century, the Carthusians decorated the Church, the Cloister with the cells, the Refectory, and the Cemetery of the Monks with classicist decorations, since 1947 the Carthusians were replaced by a new Order, of the Cistercians of the Casamari Abbey who lived here until to 2017. Since 2018 the monastic complex has been privately managed by the Dignitatis Humanae Institute.
The stalactites and stalagmites of the Collepardo Caves, have an unbeatable charm. Due to the singularity of the forms similar to human and animal figures, they are called “Caves of Puppets”, but they are also known as “Grotte Regina Margherita”, following the visit of that Queen in 1904. The Antullo Well is a large natural well, unique in Europe for its size, and with a circumference of about 300 meters and a depth of 60 meters. Its fund can join the Caves through a complex system of underground passages.
Free morning
Check out
End of services
For this itinerary, we handpicked for your stay an Oasis of Peace immersed in the countryside of Alvito. Relais Colle Buono will welcome you with its romantic atmosphere, exceptional services and unforgettable experiences of wellness, taste and relaxation. You will have at your disposal fine furnished and tranquil rooms and suites, an excellent Gourmet Restaurant and a sophisticated wellness centre where to regenerate your soul.