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Hermitage of Archangel St. Michael in Maranola: the statue that chose its place
Set within a natural rock cavity in the Aurunci Mountains, the Hermitage of Archangel St. Michael has existed since at least 830 AD: the Codex diplomaticus cajetanus, the great medieval archive of the Abbey of Monte Cassino, records its existence and donation. The neo-Gothic façade, featuring a rose window and a pointed portal (or ogival archway), dates back to 1895. Its construction was commissioned by Archbishop Francesco Niola, who designated the interior of the natural cave as the site for the new sanctuary, more sheltered than the previous location.
The statue that refused to stay put
According to local tradition, the statue of St Michael was originally located in a cave in Gianola, on the coast. The legend says it abandoned the sea to escape the sailors' coarse language, moving first to Monte Sant’Angelo in Spigno Saturnia and then to the Aurunci Mountains. The locals tried several times to bring it back, but the statue always returned to the same spot: there, the chapel that still houses it today was built. This tradition continues today: on the last Sunday of June, the devotees of Maranola carry the statue on their shoulders up to the mountain hermitage, where it remains all summer; on September 29th, the Feast of the Archangel, it is brought back to the village.
How to get there
To reach the Hermitage, a trail starts off at the Pornito Refuge (Rifugio Pornito): a 7.3 km round trip with no technical difficulties. From the refuge, follow CAI trail no. 60.
