Discover Chiusa: Sacred Sites and Rock Landscapes

Chiusa combines sacred buildings, paths carved into rock and culture-related activities. Specific highlights include Romanesque-Lombard architecture, the Grotta di San Leonardo with damaged wall paintings, and the rock landscape of the Valle Suppentonia.

Sacred architecture with a character of its own

The Basilica di Sant’Elia was first built in the 8th century and is an example of Romanesque-Lombard architecture. Several details draw attention to the design of the building: the central portal is decorated with marble motifs depicting animals and plants, while the ciborium is supported by four marble columns. The apse is entirely covered with frescoes. It depicts Christ as the Redeemer, along with twelve lambs symbolising the Apostles.

Another stop is the Basilica di San Giuseppe. It was built between 1908 and 1910 to accommodate the growing influx of pilgrims.

Rocks, paths and views in the Valle Suppentonia

The hermits’ paths in the Valle Suppentonia combine natural heritage, spiritual remembrance and a rocky landscape. The history of the paths is also remarkable: from 1777 onwards, Andrea Rodio spent fourteen years having a staircase carved out of the rock inside the cliff face to make the descent easier for pilgrims.

The Santuario Ss. Maria ad Rupes is located on the cliff face of the gorge that runs alongside Castel Sant’Elia. Access is via a long avenue lined with trees. A park offers a steep viewpoint over the Valle Suppentonia.

The paths to the Grotta della Madonna and the Basilica di Sant’Elia follow different routes. The Scalinata di Fra’ Rodio has 144 steps and leads directly down to the Grotta della Madonna. There is also a longer alternative route to the Grotta della Madonna. When planning your route, the difference between the direct descent with 144 steps and the longer alternative route is relevant. The Via dei Santi leads down from the Santuario Ss. Maria ad Rupes to the Basilica di Sant’Elia and is closed. The Basilica di Sant’Elia can be reached on foot via the Strada dei Santi.

Caves and traces of religious art

The Grotta di San Leonardo consists of several interconnected rooms. It is carved into the tuff wall bordering the so-called Valle Suppentonia and is now located in the area of Castel Sant’Elia. The rooms contain heavily damaged wall paintings depicting Apostles or prophets, the Madonna and Jesus giving a blessing.

Cultural activities for children and adults

Pagus Etrusco offers educational workshops for children and adults. The programme includes simulated archaeological excavations, clay working, fresco painting, grain milling and bread baking.

Discover more places

Colle Farnese, Blera, Civitella Dʼagliano, Marina Di Pescia Romana, Tuscania, Marina Velca, Vetralla and Ischia Di Castro.

To the higher-level travel overview: Viterbo.