Spiritual and religious tourism in Italy

Spring is a splendid time of year on these lakes. Energizing nature, relaxing colours and mild temperatures are an invitation to an active open-air holiday with plenty to do, including sports and walks through history. Northern Italy has the three largest lakes in the Italian peninsula - the inspiration for poets, writers and musicians of all periods.

In balance between nature and history In the heart of Val Badia, San Leonardo offers everything you need for a holiday in the mountains, among alpine architecture, majestic peaks, pristine nature, fun and relaxation. In summer or winter, this small village at an altitude of 1,324 metres will not disappoint. You can explore the streets and squares of San Leonardo, overlooked by typical Ladin houses, as well as the Church of San Leonardo in Badia with its Gothic bell tower. In fine weather, you can get away from the city centre and follow the extensive network of trails that will allow you to hike or cycle to some of the most beautiful peaks in the Dolomites. Don’t miss the Sanctuary of Santa Croce at the foot of the Sasso di Santa Croce, one of the most popular excursion destinations in the valley. In the colder months, winter sports attract athletes from all over Italy and beyond. Experienced skiers can tackle some of the most difficult descents in the valley, including those on the San Cassiano, Sellaronda and Colfosco ski slopes. It promises to be a holiday full of fun and adrenaline.

The Sanctuary of the Seven Churches, or the Jubilee Sanctuary of the Seven Churches, is located in Monselice in the province of Padua. It is the most important religious monumental complex in the walled city, near Abano and Montegrotto Terme. This picturesque sacred way climbs the Colle della Rocca hill, where six tiny chapels climb one after the other up to the square in front of Villa Duodo, where the largest church, dedicated to Saint George, stands. The seven churches were commissioned by Venetian nobleman Pietro Duodo, who had already settled on the site, having built his residence there with an adjoining private chapel. In 1605 he received permission from Pope Paul V to build and name the small churches after the seven imposing basilicas in Rome, obtaining the same privilege as a plenary indulgence granted to pilgrims who would go to visit them in Rome. From the monumental entrance gate, the “Porta Romana”, surmounted by the inscription “Romanis Basilicis Pares”, begins the Jubilee Route of the Seven Churches, designed by architect Vincenzo Scamozzi between 1605 and 1615, as a miniature representation of the holy city of Rome.

Jewel of Arezzo From a hilltop 500 metres above sea level, Cortona dominates the Val di Chiana, an area of medieval villages, breathtaking views, good food and ancient traditions. Chosen as the location for numerous Italian films including Roberto Benigni's La vita è bella, it’s a city full of treasures among the alleys of its small but charming historic centre. Its beauty erases the strain from the relentless up and down of roads and stairs. The beating heart of Cortona is Piazza della Repubblica, overlooked by Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and Palazzo Comunale, with its Clock Tower and imposing staircase. If you prefer religious architecture, don't miss the Duomo, also known as the Co-Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Sanctuary of Santa Margherita with the mummified body of the saint, and the Church of San Benedetto, with its original elliptical plan. History buffs should visit the Sodo archaeological area, the Tanella of Pythagoras and the Etruscan Academy and City of Cortona Museum (MAEC). A gem unknown to most is the former meat warehouse. Once used to store food, this basement has become a meeting place and cultural space. It’s decorated with murals and is part of the Cortona On The Move photography festival that enlivens the streets of the city every summer.

The Gargano Promontory in Apulia, due to its shape, is considered to be “Italy’s spur.” This promontory, projecting itself out into the Adriatic Sea, is almost entirely covered by a massive and mountainous carsic rock. Leafy vegetation, a crystalline sea, evocative places, a faithful people and the genuine tastes of this zone are its fundamental characteristics. One of nature’s jewels, it rests under the tutelage of the National Park, which also covers the Umbra Forest, the marine reserve of the Tremiti Islands and the coastal lakes of Lesina and Varano.

The Sacra di San Michele in Val di Susa, the abbey that scales the sky The Sacra di San Michele in Val di Susa is almost 1,000 metres high atop Mount Pirchiriano. The abbey that inspired Umberto Eco to write his novel The Name of the Rose is a masterpiece. The symbolic Piedmontese monument is also the first Italian stop on the Via Francigena. The entire Alpine valley in the western part of Piedmont can be seen from the heights of its towers. From Roman castrum to Romanesque church The first church was built around 983-987. Legend has it that the archbishop of Ravenna Giovanni Vincenzo, who lived as a hermit here, had a vision: the Archangel Michael himself commanded him to build a sanctuary, which was later consecrated by angels. Thus the oldest nucleus of the abbey was born. The arrival of the Benedictines The church was gradually expanded with a crypt and a small coenoby to accommodate monks and pilgrims passing along the Via Francigena. On top of the primitive church in the 12th century, the New Church was built in Romanesque-Gothic style, on the highest point of the mountain. The New Monastery, now in ruins, was built shortly afterwards to improve the daily life of the Benedictine monks. New cells, kitchens, a refectory, workshops and a library were built. The Sacra became an important centre for culture and spirituality. Up to heaven and beyond The construction became more and more daring. From an altitude of 962 metres on Mount Pirchiriano, it rose to a height of 1000 metres. The colossal stone façade rises 40 metres against the sky. Truly dizzying. Right here, at the main entrance, stands the statue of St Michael, more than 5 metres high and sculpted by Paul dë Doss-Moroder. The Rosminian Fathers and the Savoy royal family The Benedictine era ended in 1622. Only three monks remained, then, and the Sacra was abandoned for several centuries. It was only in 1836 that it was reopened, this time by the Rosminian Fathers, who were also entrusted with the care of the deceased members of the Savoy royal house. The bodies, transferred here from the cathedral of Turin, now lie in the Ancient Halls. Since then, the Sacra has remained a place of peace with the exception of a turbulent raid during the Second World War, when the abbey was stormed by German soldiers. The Staircase of the Dead and the Zodiac Gate It is so called because the staircase was lined with a great number of tombs and skeletons of monks arranged in recesses along the entire height of the staircase, where they remained until 1936. Climbing up the staircase, here and there you can see the living rock on which the monastery was built. Brace yourself, there are 243 steps to the top! At the end of the staircase is the fascinating zodiac door, with the doorposts decorated with zodiac signs and constellations carved in stone to remind us of the inevitable passage of time. If you look closely, you will also catch a glimpse of the capitals depicting Cain and Abel, three people fighting and pulling each other's hair, and two women feeding snakes. The Bell'Alda Tower On the north side of the complex, set apart from the rest, is the tower of the Bell'Alda, which is linked to the legend of a maiden fleeing from a group of soldiers. She was cornered at the top of the tower, with no way out, and chose to throw herself into the precipice rather than be captured. Angels rushed to her aid and saved her. When she told the village what had happened, no one believed her. So she threw herself off the tower again to prove that she was telling the truth, but this time it turned out badly. St Michael’s magical line One of the most mysterious and fascinating stories of the Sacra di San Michele concerns a line that connects seven places dedicated to the Archangel Michael: the island of Skellig Michael in Ireland, Saint Michael's Mount in the United Kingdom, Mont Saint Michel in France, the Sacra di San Michele in Piedmont, the Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel in Apulia, the Monastery of Saint Michael the Archangel of Panormitis in Greece and the Stella Maris Monastery on Mount Carmel in Israel. Legend has it that the 2000-kilometre-long line was drawn by St Michael himself with his sword while fighting the devil. One can apparently sense its power by standing on a particular floor tile that is lighter than the others, inside the church, just past the entrance to the left. It is said that up there, compasses no longer work. Getting here on foot The most authentic and exciting way to reach the Sacra di San Michele is by walking as the ancient pilgrims did. There are two walking routes that take about an hour and a half. The first one links the Sacra to the village of Chiusa di San Michele, while the other leads to the village of Sant'Ambrogio. This is also where the Sentiero dei Franchi (Franks' Path) starts, connecting the Sacra to the Upper Susa Valley.