Cascia: Sanctuary, Churches and Mountain Trails

Sanctuary and Sacred History

Cascia combines sacred sites, a rich urban history and mountain trails to create a destination with different points of interest. In the Santa Rita Sanctuary, the saint’s body is kept in the Santa Rita Chapel in a crystal urn dating from 1930. Cascia therefore has a specific place at its heart where religious history and architecture come together directly.

The Basilica of the Santa Rita Sanctuary is a modern 20th-century building whose construction took nine years. The Santa Rita Sanctuary can be reached via an outer road that encircles Cascia, or from the town centre via a series of escalators. The two access routes help you understand the town’s religious focus in its spatial context.

Churches in the Historic Townscape

Within the walled town, the Collegiata di Santa Maria stands next to the Porta Leonina. The Collegiata di Santa Maria was built in the 12th century; remains of the original Romanesque structure have been preserved in its northern wall. This building brings together an urban setting, architectural history and surviving Romanesque elements.

The town’s religious history goes back even further: the first church in Cascia dedicated to the saint of Assisi was founded in 1247. In Cascia, you will therefore encounter buildings and religious connections spanning several centuries, without the town being defined by a single historical period.

The Sentiero di Santa Rita

The Sentiero di Santa Rita begins at the Church of Santa Maria on Piazza Garibaldi and leads to Roccaporena. It runs along the slope above the meadows and the Corno Valley. If you would like to experience religious sites and landscapes together, this route offers a tangible way to follow the connection between pilgrimage and nature.

Mountains, Forests and Cycling Tours

The mountains surrounding Cascia are criss-crossed by a network of trails through ancient forests and along clear streams, with unexpected viewpoints appearing along the way. This landscape will appeal to you if, during your stay, you would like to include not only churches but also forests, waterways and changing views in your plans.

Cascia offers mountain bike and e-bike tours for all levels of difficulty, together with bicycle and equipment rental and expert guidance. The MTB 20 route leads from Cascia towards San Giorgio and then continues along a narrow mule track from which Cascia can be seen. For active days, the cycling services and the route itself therefore offer different options.

Getting There and Choosing Accommodation

Cascia can be reached by car, coach, train or plane. For you, choosing where to stay therefore begins with deciding whether sacred culture, historic architecture, trails or cycling tours should be the main focus. A hotel or other accommodation in Cascia can be selected according to these travel interests, allowing you to incorporate the town’s different themes into your personal plans.

More Destinations for Your Travel Plans

Abeto, Pian di Marte, Spedalicchio, Gavelli, Morcella, Preci, Castel Ritaldi, Bastardo

To the main travel overview: Perugia.