Eremo di San Marco
An ancient hermitage carved into a cliff face, offering breathtaking views of the Salinello Gorges.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Eremo di San Marco
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ancient hermitage carved into a cliff face, offering breathtaking views of the Salinello Gorges.
"Truly unique structure and building well worth a visit, also has a great view of Ascoli as a bonus."
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Hiking boots are highly recommended.
Check Opening Status
The eremo itself may be closed. Confirm access before your visit, but the exterior is still worth seeing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Eremo di San Marco Exterior
Carved into the rock face
A unique monastic complex built directly into the cliffside, offering a glimpse into ancient hermit life.
Gole del Salinello Views
From the eremo's vantage point
Breathtaking panoramic views of the dramatic Salinello gorges and the surrounding natural landscape.
The Hike Itself
Path leading to the eremo
An adventurous trek through the woods, offering a sense of discovery and connection with nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Access
Best Time for Views & Photos
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Hiking boots are highly recommended.
Check Opening Status
The eremo itself may be closed. Confirm access before your visit, but the exterior is still worth seeing.
Bring Water & Snacks
There are no facilities on the trail or at the eremo. Pack essentials for your hike.
Navigate Carefully
Paths can be poorly marked. Use a map or GPS, and be aware of your surroundings.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Hiking boots are highly recommended.
Check Opening Status
The eremo itself may be closed. Confirm access before your visit, but the exterior is still worth seeing.
Bring Water & Snacks
There are no facilities on the trail or at the eremo. Pack essentials for your hike.
Navigate Carefully
Paths can be poorly marked. Use a map or GPS, and be aware of your surroundings.
Respect the Nature
Enjoy the natural beauty and leave no trace. Avoid disturbing the environment.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Eremo di San Marco a truly unique and impressive structure built into the rock, offering great views of Ascoli and the surrounding gorges. However, many note that the eremo itself is often closed, and the trails can be rough, steep, and poorly marked, requiring sturdy footwear and caution.
"Truly unique structure and building well worth a visit, also has a great view of Ascoli as a bonus. As mentioned in earlier reviews the building itself was closed and the paths are a bit rough. With that said we managed to hike down (stopping on top of the trail) with sneakers and regular clothes. However, don't go there if the ground is wet given that it will be very slippery. The hike down is roughly 25-30m."
Andreas Lelli
"The structure built into the rock is an amazing building, however be mindful of the following: Google gives the location a bit randomly, you need to find the start of one path going there, the path is steep (be careful, some holes in the ground) and in the middle of the forest with little signs, the path from the main road takes 20-30 minutes, at the moment (August 2019) the eremo Is CLOSED, you can get up the main rakp of stairs but not get into it and lastly, because of the vegetation, it is really difficult to get a glimpse, or a picture, of it."
Vincenzo Reale
"The only reason to do this hike is if you are looking for a hard workout, which it is - extremely long, steep and technical (wear hiking boots!). You will definitely break a serious sweat. Unfortunately that's about the only good thing I found about it. It was ugly (freeway overpass, graffiti, rusted cars and corrugated metal fencing), very poorly marked (you will lose the trail multiple times and be barked at by multiple junkyard dogs). I cannot recommend this trail at all. Many better ways to spend a few hours."
Ellen Haude
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Eremo di San Marco is located a few kilometers south of Ascoli Piceno. You'll typically need a car to reach the starting point of the trail. From the main road, follow signs towards Monte Sancilio or the Gole del Salinello. The trailhead is often found near Colle San Marco.
Public transportation options are limited. It's best to check local bus schedules, but a car is generally recommended for easier access to the trailhead.
The hike from the main road to the eremo typically takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on your pace and the specific starting point.
Limited parking may be available near the start of the trail, but it can fill up, especially on weekends. Arrive early if possible.
While GPS can help you get to the general area, the exact trailhead and path can be tricky to pinpoint. Be prepared for some exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no admission fee to visit the Eremo di San Marco. However, the eremo itself may be closed to the public, so you might only be able to view it from the outside.
The eremo's interior access is not consistently available. It has been open during special events like FAI's Giornate di Primavera, but otherwise, it's best to assume you'll be viewing it externally.
No, the eremo is often closed. Visitors frequently report that the building itself is inaccessible, though the unique structure built into the rock is still visible.
While not always advertised, local guide companies sometimes offer tours that include the Eremo di San Marco and the Gole del Salinello.
It is strongly advised against visiting during or immediately after rain, as the trails become very slippery and dangerous.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trail is described as steep, rough, and sometimes poorly marked, winding through a forest. It requires sturdy footwear and caution.
You'll get stunning panoramic views of the Gole del Salinello (Salinello Gorges) and the surrounding natural landscape. The eremo itself, built into the rock, is a unique sight.
The hike is considered challenging due to its steepness and the condition of the path. It's more of a workout than a leisurely stroll.
No, there are no facilities like restrooms or water fountains at the eremo or along the trail. Be prepared to bring everything you need.
Due to the steep and potentially hazardous trails, it's generally not recommended for very young children or those with mobility issues. Older children who are accustomed to hiking might manage.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The golden hours of early morning or late afternoon offer beautiful light for capturing the eremo and the gorges.
The vantage points from the eremo itself offer great shots of the Salinello Gorges. Exploring slightly off the main path (safely) might reveal other interesting perspectives.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive gorge views. A sturdy tripod might be helpful for low-light conditions, but consider the hike's difficulty.
Due to vegetation, getting a completely unobstructed view or picture of the eremo can be challenging at times.
Drone regulations can vary. It's important to check local rules and restrictions before flying a drone in the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the adventure of the hike and the unique sight of the eremo built into the rock. The views of the Gole del Salinello can also be captivating. However, be prepared for the possibility that the eremo itself might be closed, meaning the main attraction is the journey and the exterior view. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and make it a memorable outdoor experience rather than a destination with amenities.
🚶 Hikers and Adventure Seekers
+1Be sure to pack appropriate gear, especially sturdy hiking boots, as the path can be treacherous, particularly after rain.
+1 Consider going during the week or early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more solitary experience in nature. 📸 Photographers
+1Be prepared for the hike, as you'll want to bring your camera gear. A wide-angle lens can be beneficial for capturing the expansive views. However, keep in mind that the dense vegetation can sometimes make it difficult to get a completely unobstructed shot of the eremo itself.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Eremo di San Marco
+1Over centuries, the eremo has witnessed periods of activity and abandonment. Its rediscovery and preservation efforts have brought it back into the spotlight, particularly during events like the FAI's Giornate di Primavera, which open such hidden gems to the public. While the interior may not always be accessible, the exterior structure and its integration with the dramatic natural setting remain a powerful testament to the lives of those who sought refuge and contemplation here.
+1Today, the Eremo di San Marco is appreciated not just for its historical and architectural value, but also as a destination for hikers and nature lovers. The journey to reach it is part of the experience, offering a chance to connect with the rugged beauty of the Piceno region and imagine the austere existence of its original inhabitants.
+1Navigating the Trails and Safety
While the hike is challenging, many find the effort rewarding for the unique experience and the stunning views it offers. However, it's important to be aware of potential hazards, such as holes in the ground and the possibility of losing the trail. Some reviews mention encountering junkyard dogs, so staying aware of your surroundings is advisable.
Given the lack of facilities, it's essential to carry sufficient water and snacks. The eremo itself may be closed, so managing expectations is key. The primary draw for many is the unique structure built into the rock and the spectacular vistas of the Gole del Salinello.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit