Finding Sasso Rosso

Early on Palm Sunday morning I went searching for Sasso Rosso.  One might well ask, "What's Sasso Rosso?"  According to numerous websites, "Castle Sasso Rosso ('Redrock') on the slope of Mount Subasio was the site of Saint Clare of Assisi and Saint Agnes of Assisi' childhood since according to tradition they were the daughters of Favorino Scifi, Conte of Sasso-Rosso, the wealthy representative of an ancient Roman family, who owned a large palace in Assisi as well."  That was eight centuries ago.
While many writers mention this red rock castle as being where Saint Clare spent part of her childhood, an internet search for images of Sasso Rosso produced little beyond general pictures of Subasio and Assisi.  Certainly an old castle can fall to ruin over so much time, but disappearing completely seems not likely.
A detailed topographical hiking map of Subasio was helpful in determining where Sasso Rosso should be, or should have been.  It would involve about a two hour walk up country roads before breaking off on a narrow hiking path.
Why set out on Palm Sunday?  Because it was on the night following Palm Sunday in 1212 that Chiara, or Clare, set out secretly from her parent's home in Assisi to follow in the footsteps of a man named Francesco, or Francis, whose humble life would have much impact on the world.
On Palm Sunday, 2011, just after 6:00 a.m., the streets of Assisi were tranquil and empty.  I passed no one walking out of town, or following the country roads that gradually led up into the forests of Subasio, eventually turning onto the narrow trail.

An opening provided a glimpse of the landscape below.

Then, according to the map, the site of Sasso Rosso.

Climbing up a few steps led to a rectangular-shaped opening.  It's clear that much of Sasso Rosso is a natural rock formation.

Then, upon closer inspection, signs of a long-ago structure.

Crossing over to the other side reveals more.

Drawing closer.

Red rock remains of the past.

As a youth, Clare must have enjoyed the inspiring views from Sasso Rosso.

Clare, following Francis in his dedication to poverty, founded an order of nuns known today as the Poor Clare Sisters.  There are more than 20,000 Poor Clares serving in at least 70 countries around the world.

Ciao.