Eremo delle Carceri - Image 1
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Eremo delle Carceri

4.8
·6k reviews·Assisi, Italy

A serene 13th-century hermitage where St. Francis found solace. Offers peace, nature, and deep spiritual connection.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peace

CrowdLow
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Eremo delle Carceri - Image 1

Eremo delle Carceri

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peace

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene 13th-century hermitage where St. Francis found solace. Offers peace, nature, and deep spiritual connection.

4.8
(6k reviews)

"A refuge in the hills above Assisi, offering solace and breathtaking views."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Hike the Forest Path

Opt for the marked forest trail from Assisi for stunning views and a more spiritual ascent. :athletic_shoe:

🤫 Respect the Silence

This is a working monastery. Maintain a quiet demeanor to honor the monks and the sacred atmosphere. :pray:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

St. Francis's Cave

St. Francis's Cave

Hermitage complex

The humble cave where St. Francis sought solitude and prayer. Feel the history and devotion.

The Forest Path

The Forest Path

Ascent from Assisi

A scenic, albeit challenging, hike through the woods to reach the hermitage. Rewarding views await.

Monastery Grounds

Monastery Grounds

Hermitage complex

Explore the peaceful courtyards, chapels, and gardens. A place for reflection and communion with nature.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Serenity

This ancient hermitage offers profound peace. Plan for quiet contemplation; it's a working monastery. Consider the uphill walk from Assisi for a truly immersive experience.

Timing Your Tranquil Visit

Visit during off-peak hours to fully absorb the spiritual atmosphere. Weekday mornings are ideal for avoiding crowds and enjoying the natural beauty.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peace
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Beautiful foliage, mild weather
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#sanfrancesco #sanfrancisco #eremodellecarceriassisi #assisi #francesco #umbria #kosmika #acquakosmika
@radiovisione1111
1.1K likes • 39.9K views

🚶‍♀️ Hike the Forest Path

Opt for the marked forest trail from Assisi for stunning views and a more spiritual ascent. :athletic_shoe:

🤫 Respect the Silence

This is a working monastery. Maintain a quiet demeanor to honor the monks and the sacred atmosphere. :pray:

🚗 Itinerario di 3 giorni in Umbria 1️⃣ Primo giorno: 📍 Assisi Da non perdere: la Basilica di San Francesco, la Basilica di Santa Chiara, la Cattedrale di San Rufino, Rocca Maggiore, l'Eremo delle Carceri, 😋 la torta al testo di @assisi.sapori 💰 Tutte le chiese di Assisi sono ad accesso gratuito! 📍 Spello La città celebre per le sue 💐 Infiorate di giugno, per i suoi vicoli e balconi fioriti, bell...
@untrolleyperdue
1.1K likes • 56.4K views
L’Eremo delle carceri è un luogo perfetto per cercare pace e tranquillità. È il luogo scelto da San Francesco e i suoi primi frati per ritirarsi in preghiera e contemplazione. Un’ottima idea è arrivare fin qui partendo da Assisi seguendo un percorso segnalato..è un po’ faticoso ma ne vale la pena! Che ne pensi? Lo conoscevi? Salva il reel per ricordarti di venire qui! #eremodellecarceri #a...
partodallumbria
730 likes • 17.3K views

☕ Cafe at the Entrance

A welcome cafe is available near the entrance for refreshments before or after your visit. :coffee:

🙏 Free to Visit

Admission to the Eremo delle Carceri is free, making it an accessible spiritual and cultural experience. :moneywithwings:

all’Eremo delle Carceri ci abbiamo lasciato il cuore ❤️#perte #foryou #natura #pace #francesco #animatori #exploer
oratoriosanlorenzo_
0 likes • 798 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Hike the Forest Path

Opt for the marked forest trail from Assisi for stunning views and a more spiritual ascent. :athletic_shoe:

🤫 Respect the Silence

This is a working monastery. Maintain a quiet demeanor to honor the monks and the sacred atmosphere. :pray:

☕ Cafe at the Entrance

A welcome cafe is available near the entrance for refreshments before or after your visit. :coffee:

🙏 Free to Visit

Admission to the Eremo delle Carceri is free, making it an accessible spiritual and cultural experience. :moneywithwings:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Eremo delle Carceri for its breathtaking beauty, profound peace, and spiritual significance. Many highlight the serene atmosphere and the opportunity for quiet contemplation. While the uphill hike can be challenging, most find it rewarding. Some note the narrow passages within the monastery add to its unique charm.

"Breathtaking and very picturesque place. Great piece of culture that can be appreciated by both believers and atheists."

Pol Xperon

"A refuge in the hills above Assisi. Established by Francis of Assisi in the 13th century, this place has offered solace for countless people over the centuries. The buildings are a working monastery, with preserved historic sites, accommodations, chapels and outside areas for reflection. It is free to visit."

Chris Caldwell

"If you go to Assisi, a beautiful sanctuary to go to is Eremo Della Carceri. You can walk the 4 km up hill, with spectacular views which takes between 1-1 1/2 hrs. There is a welcome cafe at the entrance 🙂. The caves here are where St Francis and his brothers lived and prayed and the monastery was built around them. The grounds on the mountainside are so peaceful to walk and pray in. The monastery has some small passages and narrow stairways, but this adds to the atmosphere. The monks there are very welcoming. Beautiful."

Debbie Rumsby

What People Like

Breathtaking and picturesque
Profound peace and serenity
Spiritual atmosphere

What People Dislike

Challenging uphill climb

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach the Eremo delle Carceri by car, taxi, or by hiking. The hike from Assisi is approximately 4 km and can take 1-1.5 hours, with a beautiful forest path available.InstagramReddit Driving is also an option, with parking available near the entrance.TikTok

While direct public transport is limited, local buses may run to Assisi, from where you can arrange a taxi or begin your hike. It's best to check local schedules in advance.

The Eremo delle Carceri is located about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the center of Assisi, situated on the slopes of Mount Subasio.

Absolutely! Many visitors choose to walk up from Assisi, enjoying the scenic route. There's a well-marked forest path that offers a more immersive experience than the road.Instagram

The walk is uphill and can be challenging, especially the forest path, but it's considered well worth the effort for the views and the sense of accomplishment.Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Eremo delle Carceri is free. It's a working monastery, and visitors are welcome to explore its grounds and historical sites without charge.Reddit

The hermitage is generally open daily, but it's advisable to check for any specific seasonal hours or closures, especially as it is a functioning religious site.

While generally accessible, it's a place of prayer and contemplation. Visiting during daylight hours is recommended, and respecting the quiet atmosphere is essential.Instagram+1

There is no entrance fee to visit the Eremo delle Carceri. It's a place of spiritual significance open to all.

Visitors are asked to maintain a respectful and quiet demeanor, as it is a place of prayer and a working monastery. Dress modestly.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore St. Francis's cave, the chapels, the monastery buildings, and the peaceful grounds. The natural setting is as much a draw as the historical sites.TikTokInstagram

Yes, it's an ideal location for meditation and prayer, offering a profound sense of peace and connection with nature and spirituality.Reddit

There are accommodations available for those wishing to stay overnight or for a few days, offering a deeper immersion into the hermitage's tranquil environment.Reddit

The atmosphere is one of profound peace, serenity, and spirituality. It's a place where you can truly disconnect and find solace.Instagram+1

While formal guided tours might not always be available, the monks are often welcoming, and information is usually provided on-site to help visitors understand the history and significance of the place.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed in outdoor areas and common spaces, but it's respectful to refrain from taking photos inside chapels or private monastic areas. Always be mindful of others seeking quiet contemplation.Instagram+1

The views from the grounds, the ancient stone structures, and the surrounding natural landscape offer beautiful photographic opportunities. The forest path also provides scenic shots.Instagram+1

Drone usage is typically restricted in religious sites and natural reserves to maintain peace and prevent disturbance. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.

Expect serene landscapes, architectural details of the hermitage, and the natural beauty of the Umbrian hills. The 'cantico degli uccelli' (song of the birds) theme is often captured.Instagram

Be mindful of the sacred nature of the site. Avoid intrusive photography, especially of monks or during prayer services. Check for any posted signage regarding photography.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Eremo delle Carceri is a place of quiet contemplation, families can still find value in a visit. The hike up from Assisi can be an adventure for older children, especially if they enjoy nature walks.Instagram The peaceful grounds offer space for children to explore respectfully, and the stories of St. Francis can be engaging for young minds. Remember to emphasize the importance of quiet behavior to maintain the sanctity of the site.Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Pilgrims

For solo travelers and those on a spiritual pilgrimage, the Eremo delle Carceri is an unparalleled destination. The opportunity for quiet reflection and the chance to stay overnight in the hermitage accommodations offer a profound experience.Reddit The solitude of the mountain setting, combined with the historical significance, makes it ideal for introspection and deepening one's spiritual practice.Instagram+1

🌿 Nature Lovers & Hikers

The forest path ascent is a major draw for nature lovers and hikers. The well-maintained trail winds through beautiful woodland, offering stunning vistas of the Umbrian landscape.Instagram The hermitage itself is set within a picturesque natural environment, perfect for quiet walks and appreciating the 'Canticle of the Creatures'.Instagram The peaceful surroundings are a balm for the soul.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Spiritual Significance of Eremo delle Carceri

The Eremo delle Carceri (Hermitage of the Prisons) is deeply intertwined with the life of St. Francis of Assisi. He and his early followers sought refuge in the natural caves on Mount Subasio, finding a place for intense prayer and contemplation away from the world. The name 'Carceri' is thought to refer not to a prison, but to the small, enclosed cells or caves where the friars lived in solitude.TikTokInstagram This profound connection to St. Francis makes it a pilgrimage site for many.

Visitors often describe an overwhelming sense of peace and tranquility upon arrival. The simple, ancient structures, nestled within the lush greenery of the forest, invite introspection. The very air seems to carry a sense of devotion accumulated over centuries. It's a place where one can truly feel the spirit of St. Francis and his commitment to a life of poverty, prayer, and communion with nature.InstagramReddit

Beyond its religious importance, the Eremo delle Carceri is a testament to the enduring human desire for solitude and spiritual connection. The surrounding natural landscape, with its ancient trees and quiet paths, enhances the contemplative experience. It's a reminder of the power of nature to inspire and heal, a theme central to St. Francis's teachings and his famous 'Canticle of the Creatures'.Instagram

Experiencing the Ascent to the Hermitage

Reaching the Eremo delle Carceri is an experience in itself. While driving or taking a taxi is possible, many visitors recommend the hike from Assisi.Instagram There are two main routes: the paved road, which is more direct but less scenic, and the marked forest path. The forest path is a more challenging, uphill climb, winding through the woods, but it offers breathtaking views of the Umbrian valley and a deeper connection with the natural surroundings.Instagram

This ascent is often described as a spiritual journey in preparation for the hermitage itself. The effort involved in the climb can lead to a greater appreciation of the peace found at the destination. Redditors often share tips about wearing comfortable shoes and bringing water, especially during warmer months.Reddit The feeling of accomplishment upon reaching the hermitage after the hike is a significant part of the experience for many.Instagram

Upon arrival, whether by foot or by vehicle, you'll find a small welcome cafe near the entrance, providing a place to rest and refresh before exploring the hermitage complex.Reddit The transition from the active world of Assisi to the serene quiet of the Eremo delle Carceri is palpable, making the journey an integral part of the visit.

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