Roccaporena, Cascia: the village of Saint Rita
At a glance
- Municipality
- Cascia
- Province
- Perugia
- Region
- Umbria
Roccaporena is a hamlet in the municipality of Cascia, in the province of Perugia, known as the birthplace of Saint Rita. It sits at 707 m above sea level, at the end of a small gorge, about 6 km from Cascia. The 2001 Istat census counted 73 residents. The village remained isolated for a long time: the road linking it to Cascia only opened in 1950.
This is where Rita married, in the little church of San Montano, and she often prayed on the so-called "scoglio" (rock), a crag above the village. The places connected with her life are all close to each other and can be visited on foot. May is the month of the anniversary of Rita's death: the nun died on May 22.
On the map
Points from the site database. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors · Protomaps.
What to see in Roccaporena, Saint Rita's village
The Sacro Scoglio, or Scoglio della Preghiera (Rock of Prayer), is the most demanding stop. It reaches 827 m and rises 120 m above the village. The climb runs along the mountain ridge and has more than 300 steps. At the top, according to tradition, Rita prayed so intensely that she left the imprint of her knees and elbows on the rock. The stone is now protected by glass inside a small chapel. From the summit the view takes in the sanctuary, the Church of San Montano, the saint's two houses, the Lazzaretto, the Orto del Miracolo and the Grotta d'Oro.
Two houses connected with Rita are shown in the village. The Casa Natale (birth house), with the adjoining Orto del Miracolo, dates from the 14th century. It holds the Manto di Santa Rita, a leather garment. The Casa Maritale (marital home) stands at the entrance to the village, at the foot of the Grotta d'Oro, opposite the Scoglio.
The Orto del Miracolo (Garden of the Miracle) is a small, steep plot full of rose bushes. A bronze by the sculptor Rodolfo Maleci shows the sick Rita and her cousin listening to her last wish. It refers to the story of a red rose and two figs found in the snow.
The Chiesa di San Montano, where Rita married, is of medieval origin. The Lazzaretto recalls the sick people Rita cared for. The sanctuary of Roccaporena is in neo-Gothic style and holds a statue of the saint.
Nature and trails near Roccaporena, Saint Rita's village
The best-known route is the Sentiero di Santa Rita, which links Cascia and Roccaporena. It is an old medieval path along the hillside, overlooking the meadows and the valley of the Corno river. It runs mostly through woodland and is an easy route. From Cascia it starts near the Rocca and climbs in the shade of the woods to Ocosce. Then comes a fairly steep descent on rock debris, where trekking poles are useful. Finally it crosses the bed of the Corno, which is dry for most of the year. Before setting out it is worth checking the weather and the condition of the trail.
Where to stay near Roccaporena, Saint Rita's village
Roccaporena is a hamlet of Cascia. The list of accommodation in the area is on the page on where to stay in Cascia.
Where to eat near Roccaporena, Saint Rita's village
For restaurants and eateries nearby, see the page on Cascia restaurants.
Local products of Roccaporena, Saint Rita's village
For the products of the area and the shops that sell them, the reference page is local products and shops in Cascia.
Weather and how to get to Roccaporena, Saint Rita's village
Roccaporena is about 6 km from Cascia. From the road leading to Cascia, continue toward Roccaporena. From Rome by car, leave the Autostrada del Sole at Orte and enter the Valnerina via Terni. There is parking just past the last houses, and from there the center is a few meters away on foot.
The village lies in a gorge, at 707 m above sea level. In summer the microclimate of the gorge draws some soccer teams for their preseason training camp.