Hermitage of St. Illuminata – Guardea

Description

A few miles south of Guardea (TR), not far from the Amerina state road n.205, surrounded by oak trees and large boulders, are the remains of the Church and Convent of St. Illuminata. Tradition holds that the complex was established in 1007 C.E. by St. Romuald, founder of the Camaldolese order, and given to the Franciscans 200 years later. St. Francis stayed there several times, sleeping on a travertine rock in a nearby cave, still the object of worship today. Many friars lived and died here, some of whom were later sanctified; the most famous being the Blessed Pascuccio who performed many miracles and whose mortal remains are revered in the parish church. The decline of the Church and Convent of St. Illuminata began in 1653, when Pope Innocent X incorporated this property with the parish of St. Maria dell'Olmo in Amelia. In 1869 the church was deemed unsafe, and is no longer used for services.

Position on map