CASCIA: the ‘mystical rose’ of the Sibillini Mountains

Early morning arrival in Cascia. Once in Cascia, the first thing to do is to visit the Sanctuary to meet and discover Saint Rita and her message of dialogue and peace. From all over the world, pilgrims come to this small village, the beating heart of Augustinian spirituality. The Sanctuary is located in the highest part of the Cascia settlement and fits into the urban context by breaking every dimensional and stylistic module.
It can be reached via an external road that skirts the village or, internally, where the steep climbs are mitigated by escalator systems. The complex includes the Basilica, the Lower Basilica, the Monastery and the Penitentiary.
At around 12 noon, departure for a quick but worthwhile visit to Roccaporena, the birthplace of the saint, where you can still admire the house, now converted into a chapel, where the saint lived, the prayer rock, where she meditated, the rose garden and the garden of the miracle, where in a cold winter of 1457 a few days before her death, a rose bloomed and a fig tree ripened.
Lunch in a typical restaurant located within the village of Roccaporena, where you can enjoy excellent regional cuisine.
Approximately 3.30 p.m. departure for Norcia, one of the most important towns in Umbria, which boasts an extensive historical and artistic heritage. It is located in the heart of the Monti Sibillini National Park: the city is surrounded by mountains reaching over 2000 metres in height, a true paradise for hikers and skiers.
The hometown of St. Benedict is characterised by an extensive food and wine culture. Also known as 'the city of the black truffle' and 'the city of the master pork butchers', it is rich in aromas and flavours, featuring the most succulent delicacies. Along the streets of the corso you will be able to go shopping and purchase a wide range of excellent local products famous throughout the world. End of services.