Hermitage of the Carceri : info and guided tour

Introduction to Eremo delle Carceri

Eremo delle Carceri is a Franciscan hermitage located on the slopes of Mount Subasio in Assisi, in the heart of a forest of oak trees and rocks. Accessible from Via Eremo delle Carceri, this peaceful place is closely linked to the spirituality of Saint Francis of Assisi, who came here to withdraw into prayer and meditation.

The site developed around small retreat cells and places of contemplation carved into or built against the rock. Its architecture remains simple, in keeping with the Franciscan tradition, with modest buildings, a small chapel, and passageways connecting the different areas of the hermitage. The whole site retains an atmosphere of silence and austerity.

What makes Eremo delle Carceri famous is precisely this blend of nature and spiritual memory. Here, visitors discover a preserved retreat where they can see the chapel, the former cells of the hermits, and the shaded paths that run through the forest. The setting helps explain the importance of Mount Subasio in the religious history of Assisi.

Through its simplicity and its grounding in the landscape, the hermitage embodies the ideal of austerity associated with Saint Francis. It attracts visitors both for its historical value and for its very distinctive atmosphere, made up of silence, stone, and vegetation. It is one of the most evocative sites for grasping the contemplative dimension of Assisi.

Discover Assisi with a private guide

A private guide can help you better understand the history of the hermitage, its connection to Saint Francis, and the significance of its various spaces. Their interpretation of the site and its natural surroundings also provides useful insight into the spiritual context of Assisi and how this site fits into the landscape of Mount Subasio.