The Eremo delle Carceri, or Hermitage of the Prisons, is a ancient site located in the hills above Assisi, Italy. This secluded hermitage is special for its deep connection to St. Francis of Assisi, who frequently retreated here with his followers for prayer and contemplation. Nestled in the serene forests of Mount Subasio, the hermitage provides a peaceful and contemplative environment, perfectly embodying the Franciscan values of simplicity, solitude, and communion with nature. The site includes ancient caves where St. Francis and his companions meditated, as well as a small chapel and a series of simple stone buildings that have remained largely unchanged since the time of the saint.
What makes the Eremo delle Carceri particularly special is its ability to offer visitors a tangible sense of the ascetic life that St. Francis embraced. Pilgrims can walk along the same paths, pray in the same quiet spaces, and experience the same natural beauty that inspired St. Francis to deepen his relationship with God. The hermitage is a powerful testament to the enduring relevance of Franciscan spirituality, providing a place for modern pilgrims to disconnect from the distractions of daily life and reconnect with their faith in a setting of profound natural beauty and historical significance. The Eremo delle Carceri remains a cherished destination for those seeking spiritual renewal and a deeper understanding of St. Francis’s devotion to simplicity and prayer.
