Hermitage of Sant'Onofrio al Morrone

Dramatic cliff-side hermitage where Pietro da Morrone lived before becoming Pope Celestine V

The hermitage clings to the cliff face of Monte Morrone, about 4 km northeast of Sulmona. It is a small complex of rock-cut chapels and cells, partly natural cave and partly built, perched on a ledge with vertiginous views over the Peligna Valley. The walk up from the abbey below takes 20-30 minutes on a stone path and is the most evocative part of the visit.

The site is associated with Pietro da Morrone, the ascetic hermit who became Pope Celestine V in 1294 and is now venerated as a saint. His cell, with its narrow stone bed, is the focus of the hermitage. Bring water and sturdy shoes; the path is uneven. The site is free and open most daylight hours.

things to do sight religion historic
A story
Pietro da Morrone was a hermit who lived in this rock-cut retreat in the 13th century until — to his horror — the cardinals elected him pope in 1294 to end a two-year deadlock. He took the name Celestine V, served five months, abdicated (the first pope ever to do so willingly), and was promptly imprisoned by his successor Boniface VIII. Dante put Boniface in hell and consigned Celestine to the antechamber as 'he who made the great refusal.'