The Hermitage of Sant’Egidio is one of the most evocative and scenic spots in the Scanno area, nestled within the natural surroundings of the famous Sentiero del Cuore trail and overlooking the lake and the medieval village. Perched atop the hill of the same name, this small stone sanctuary embodies centuries of faith, folk traditions and spirituality in the heart of Abruzzo.

The hermitage stands out for its charming rural Romanesque style, simple and austere, perfectly integrated into the surrounding mountain landscape. The main façade, built of exposed square-cut stone, features a porch with a low barrel vault leading to the church entrance. Above the porch is a small circular window framed by moulded stone, whilst in the upper part there is a recess that probably once housed an ancient bell.

The interior, intimate and quiet, consists of a single nave covered by a low barrel vault, fostering an atmosphere of meditation and contemplation. The altar, simple and unadorned, features a fresco dedicated to Saint Egidio, painted in 1796 by masters of the Neapolitan school. Traces of frescoes depicting the Passion of Christ are still visible along the walls, bearing witness to the ancient devotion that characterised this sacred place.

Adjacent to the church were the rooms used by the hermit: a sacristy and a few small living quarters spread over two floors, which were used over the centuries by the lay hermits who looked after the sanctuary. Among the last hermits recorded in local tradition was a certain Bruccine, who lived here until the 1940s.

The origins of the hermitage are not entirely certain, but the first documented evidence dates back to 1612. Devotion to Saint Egidio grew particularly after the terrible plague of 1656, when the inhabitants of Scanno invoked the saint’s protection against the epidemic. Even today, an inscription on the lintel of the door commemorates that historic moment and the deep faith of the local community.

Every year, on 1 September, the inhabitants of Scanno make their way to the hermitage in procession to celebrate the feast day dedicated to the saint. After Mass, in accordance with a very ancient popular tradition, a curious contest takes place in which young people attempt to hit a target placed on the rock beside the church with stones. The winner symbolically receives a rooster brought as a devotional offering.

Reaching the Hermitage of Sant’Egidio means walking along one of the most beautiful trails in the area, taking in views of Lake Scanno, woodland and breathtaking vistas. The hiking trail, which is also suitable for less experienced walkers, offers an authentic experience combining nature, history and spirituality.