If you’ve already seen Italy’s marvellous cities and world-renowned museums and want to feed your soul in a different way, how about exploring some of its iconic spiritual destinations? It doesn’t matter what, if any, your religious affiliation is. Italy’s pilgrimage sites and hermitages transcend the bounds of separate confessions and can help heal every soul.
4 Great Places in Italy to embrace your spiritual side
1. The Via Francigena – Scenic Pilgrim Journey in Italy
Before you choose a destination in Italy that will help you reconnect with your spiritual side, consider talking to a spiritual advisor. Have a psychic reading or talk to an expert. A psychic will help you examine your mind and soul and give you helpful advice on how to make the most of your travels.
If your spiritual advisor happens to know Italy, they might recommend a few great destinations, such as the Via Francigena. This ancient pilgrim route is often included in lists of Italy’s best destinations for spiritual retreats.
The Via Francigena actually starts in Canterbury, in southern England, crosses France and Switzerland and reaches the south of Italy. But there’s no need to walk over 2,000 miles to experience the spiritual recharge this pilgrimage route promises. You don’t even need to be religious to feel fully refreshed and rejuvenated after walking the Via Francigena. The beautiful, peaceful landscapes you’ll pass through are a near-spiritual experience in themselves.
One of the most scenic parts of the Via Francigena in Italy goes from Florence to Rome. You’ll walk through tiny villages untouched by the hustle of big cities and enjoy nature. If you’re after a sabbatical of sorts and want a reprieve from everyday anxiety, the Via Francigena is definitely the right choice. => Check out the most spectacular stages of the Via Francigena in Tuscany.
2. The Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso on Lake Maggiore – For the Most Beautiful Waterfront Views
If your soul craves the colour blue, and you prefer vacationing by the water, visit the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso. It’s a beautiful monastery located right on the rocky shore of Lake Maggiore, the second-largest lake in Italy. The views are breathtaking and completely worth the hike you’ll have to get through to reach Santa Caterina del Sasso.
By the way, if you’re more used to beach vacations and driving around instead of walking, try a different approach for a change. According to most mental health professionals exercising your body (especially somewhere with beautiful views) is a great way to feed your soul and embrace your spiritual side. And Santa Caterina del Sasso on Lake Maggiore, today run by Franciscan monks, is truly the perfect place for that. Highlights include interesting frescoes from different eras, and the Chapel of Santa Caterina.
3. The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi – A Beautiful Spot for Soul-Searching
Like most destinations on this list, the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is a sacred place for most Catholics in Italy and worldwide. It’s where the saint patron of Italy San Francis is buried. But this doesn’t mean it has nothing to offer to someone who doesn’t identify as Catholic or even religious. If nothing else, it’s majestic from an architectural standpoint and is guaranteed to impress even the most experienced traveler.
This is a destination with real soul-healing power. Ask any psychic or spiritual healer who is knowledgeable about the best spiritual spots in Italy, and they’ll confirm. Located on a high hill in the Umbria region, the Basilica rewards every pilgrim with some of the most serene views in Italy. Here you’ll feel on top of the world. The artistic highlight is the fresco cycles by Giotto dedicated to the life of Saint Francis. A joy for the eyes and the soul.
=> Other Franciscan sites in Italy include the Celle Hermitage near Cortona, La Verna Sanctuary in Easten Tuscany, the legendary Greccio Hermitage near Rieti and the other sanctuaries in the Valle Santa.
4. The Hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio – The Most Secluded Hermitage in Italy
The Hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio deserves its title because it’s perhaps the most pristine hermitage you can find. Located in the middle of the Majella National Park (Abruzzo region) and literally hidden inside the rock, it takes the visitor back to the original meaning of the word hermitage, the place of seclusion.
Except for the pristine nature surrounding it, the Hermitage of San Bartolomeo is nothing like most other well-known hermitages across Italy. Basically unchanged since its completion in the 11th century, it looks timeless and untouched by modern civilisation. The hermitage blends in so well with nature that an outsider might not even notice it unless they know it’s there.
Another undeniable perk of the Hermitage of San Bartolomeo is how surprisingly obscure it is, at least compared to other destinations on this list. There is half hour hike to reach the hermitage surrounded by mountains. If you choose it as your spiritual pilgrimage site, you’ll be able to truly connect with the universe and meditate in peace away from crowds.
An Afterword
Once again, please don’t think that these destinations have nothing to offer those who aren’t religious. The Via Francigena, the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, and the Hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio are among Italy’s greatest wonders. They are perfect for reconnecting with one’s spiritual side, whatever your beliefs.
