The Nature Reserve of Gole di San Venanzio is a protected natural area in the territory of Raiano (AQ) that has contrasting morphological aspects. It is wilder in the areas of the canyons, where the river Aterno gushes impetuously through the impervious rocks, while at the picturesque Hermitage of San Venanzio the natural environment begins to soften, unfolding as a green, undulating alluvial plain.
The Hermitage can be dated to the late 15th century. Straddling the river, it has a special position in a green oasis enclosed by rock. Along the approach road are signs of ancient devotion in the shrines on the mountainside rocks containing prints which, according to tradition, were left by the saint. The church houses several frescoes and an ancient 16th century Lamentation in coloured terracotta of significant worth. Inside, beyond the Holy Stair, is the outline of a human body carved out of the bare rock. Tradition holds that this was caused by direct contact with the saint’s body and devotees lie there in search of cures to bone problems.
Film Commission d'Abruzzo
Centro Regionale Beni Culturali - Sulmona
Phone: + 39 0864 576303
Email: crbc@regione.abruzzo.it
