Cascia - The Path of Saint Rita
Lenght: Km 8,5 (Round trip)
Difficulty: Medium
Duration: From 2 to 4 hours
Interesting: Religius
The walk winds half-way up the hill overlooking the meadows and valley of the River Corno, and in some parts there are no railings and the path narrows considerably, so care must be taken. The walk begins at the church of Santa Maria, which lies below in Piazza Garibaldi. Turn left uphill in Via del Pago, past the home of the famous confraternity of the Buona Morte and continue along the winding Via del Pago. The road descends as far as the signpost to “Santa Rita”, turn left here and walk up the easy steps. Turn right at the top in the opposite direction to Cascia to reach Roccaporena. At a 3-way junction take the level middle road. The Tower of Collegiacone, home town of St. Rita’s husband rises to the right. Cross the wooden bridge and go as far as the main road SS 320d. From here continue left along the road and once through the tunnel you will come to the foot of the Scoglio Sacro. At Roccaporena, Rita’s birthplace, you can visit the places where the Saint lived before entering the convent: her birthplace, her home as a married woman, the leper colony, the church of S. Montano. A visit to the Sanctuary too is well worth while, as is the Institute of St. Rita which welcomes young people from all over the world. After walking up to the top of the Scoglio, you can decide whether to return by public transport or whether to retrace your steps.
How to reach Cascia
Exit the SS 209 Valnerina at Serravalle and take the SS 320 towards Cascia.
The town is approx. 12 km away.
