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The Hermitage |
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S. Spirito was more than I imagined and the photos do not offer this ancient dwelling the proper respect it commands. As we approached the entrance Horst explained that the state ordered it closed about six months ago. Up until then the monks lived there and hosted the visitors through while explaining the history of this incredible 8th century hermitage. We were told that there was no real reason given for the closure, and the people of Roccamorice and surrounding areas were not happy about it. It was good for tourism, and furthermore, there was no one to welcome visitors. The town folk liked that the monks were on the mountain. |
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Learn about: Eremo di Santo Spirito
And another site ~ Santo Spirito |
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We spent a few hours mulling around in awe, taking photos, and hanging onto every word interpreted through Horst, as both he and Antonio were full of knowledge and facts about the area. I was surprised, perhaps even astonished, to learn that the monks used the stairs on the side of the rocks, which were quite steep, to pray. They climbed the hard rocky-type steps on their knees and prayed until they reached the top. I stood below on the bottom step and tried to visualize the monks on their knees climbing and praying. With an injured knee in tow I climbed the stairs with my friends, and as I did so I felt emotions stiring and rising from deep within me to a swelling which caught in my throat - it was difficult to mask my feelings. I knew the energies I sensed were that of God and the ancients and that indeed, my feet stood firmly on holy ground. I took it all in, time stood still, and it was very good. I whispered to myself, "This is why I came..." |
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Prayer steps at S. Spirito |
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Antonio, Donamaria & Horst at S. Spirito |
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Pam, Donamaria & Antonio facing away from S. Spirito |
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Paying absolutely no attention to what was going on around us, we headed down the pathway towards the car and noticed below a man with a red truck, two horses, and a couple of mules. I asked Horst to inquire if it would be okay to take his picture and that of his animals. The roccolano smiled and was obliging. He said he uses the animals to haul dead wood out of the forest on the mountain, and sell it down below to the town folk who need it for firewood.
The animals had worked up a sweat under the harnesses and the roccolano removed them so he could offer them each a feedbag of oats. He leaves them in the fenced off area at the foothill, where we saw them, until the weather gets too bad. Then, I believe he uses a trailer (different from the red truck) to haul the animals home. I also remember Horst saying the said he owns land nearby. |
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Roccolano's mules & horses |
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Antonio & Roccolano just below S. Spirito |
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Heading back down to LaRocca we encountered several rock climbers geared up and attempting to make their way up the side of the rocky cliff - apparently they too thought it was a grand and glorious day for adventure... |
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Next ~ Area Towns |
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Train ~ Arriving ~ Tholos ~ Area Towns ~ My Family ~ Back in USA ~ Roma ~ Roma II
Roma III ~ Venezia ~ Venezia II ~ Venezia III ~ Journey II ~ Tribute ~ About Me ~ Links ~ Email Me
Washington DC ~ Home ~ |
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