La Verna
Situated in a defensive place on the steep southern wall of Mt. Penna,
the famous Franciscan sanctuary has always been a destination for
pilgrims: it lies within a silent and gloomy wood where the Saint spent
most of his hermit's life. The calcareous nature of the mountain shaped
its harsh morphology, characterized by a number of ravines and natural
cavities opening up under the shadow of majestic maples, ashes, elms,
and beeches. Some particularly suggestive places were chosen by the
Saint and by the monks for their prayers.
The mountain was given to
St. Francis in 1213 by the Casentinese count Orlando Cattani, who is
today buried in the small church of Santa Maria degli Angeli whose
building he supported. In September 1224, the miracle of the stigmata
took place at the Verna. The event was recalled by Dante in the Paradiso and is still commemorated in a solemn festivity.
