The best walks and hikes around Ausonia

The hermitage of San Michele Arcangelo is a small church located on the slopes of Mount Altino, which belongs to the Aurunci Mountains chain, at 1220 m above sea level in the territory of Maranola (a hamlet of Formia). Set in the rock, it is located along the path that leads from Sella Sola to the summit of the Redentore, on a sheer spur. The rock sanctuary, dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, dates back to 830, as it is mentioned in the Codex diplomaticus cajetanus. However, the stone facade, which closes a natural cavity, was rebuilt in neo-Gothic style at the end of the 19th century, in 1893, when Archbishop Francesco Niola climbed Mount Altino on a pastoral visit. He indicated the interior of the grotto as an ideal location for the new construction, in order to avoid the damage suffered by the previous church, caused by runoff water, falling rocks, and ice. The new project was drawn up by the engineer Silvio Forte of Trivio. The rock was squared to form the environment of the Church, and a space twelve meters long, ten wide, and seven high was obtained. On the back wall, opposite the entrance, a niche also carved into the rock houses the statue of Saint Michael. The facade, facing west and with two projecting volumes on the sides, has in the center a pointed arch entrance door, surmounted by a rose window open to let light into the church's interior. On the arch of the door, next to the inscription “Angelorum Principi”, are the dates 830, the year of the foundation of the old monastery, and August 5, 1895, the day of the inauguration of the new Sanctuary. These dates are also reported on a plaque placed inside the church. Both the rose window and the other openings of the facade were closed by polychrome stained glass windows, now lost.

Once at the top of the climb, a wonderful panorama opens up over the valley with a view of Christ the Redeemer.

Mystical place for contemplation where everything flows slowly amidst the beauty of a church nestled in the rock.

This saddle is fast and allows you to catch your breath before the last ramps that give access to the monument.

Very suggestive place, it is absolutely worth taking a short break to stop and admire the hermitage and the view below. A visit is recommended in the afternoon hours when it is illuminated by the sun.

This church or hermitage, "San Michele Arcangelo," was dedicated to the Archangel Michael. The name (from the Hebrew language) means "Who is like God?" He is often depicted - in paintings or as a statue - with a flaming sword, occasionally with a lance. Michael is - together with Raphael and Gabriel, and occasionally Uriel is also included - one of the three or four archangels who (according to human belief) occupy the highest rank in the heavenly hierarchy of angelic beings. Their common feast day in the calendar of saints is September 29th.

The hermitage of San Michele Arcangelo in the Aurunci mountains is a place of peace and spirituality, immersed in a natural environment of rare beauty. This ancient church dating back to 830 is nestled between the slopes of Mount Altino and offers a mystical atmosphere as well as breathtaking views of the surrounding region.

Majestic peaks rise before you from the top of Redentore, one of the most spectacular offshoots of Mount Altino. The view from this southern shoulder is simply breathtaking, offering an unrivaled panorama that takes in the entire surrounding landscape.