Since the early years of Christianity hermits have gone to an area of caves and grottos on the side of Monte Subasio to pray and contemplate in solitude. In early times a descriptive word for "prison" was used in the area's place name, suggesting the solitary life of its visitors. Eventually, it was called the "Eremo delle Carceri" which I think may be translated as "Hermitage of the Prisoners." Francis and his first followers came here to their individual quiet places on the mountainside. The hermitage is built into a rocky cliff.
The Eremo offers beautiful distant views of the Umbrian countryside.
Even more beautiful, beyond my ability to describe, are the paths that weave through the woods of the Eremo. Today's visitors are expected to remain silent. However, the music of the uccelli is so uplifting and the oak forest so alive, that one can easily appreciate the joy and spiritual experiences of the hermits of long ago.
Visitors are wise to come early, as hundreds arrive later in the day to stroll the main paths.
This morning I recorded an uccelli concert. If I can figure out how to upload it, perhaps it will be part of a future post.
Ciao.
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