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Eremo delle CarceriIn the tree-covered hills outside Assisi is a mystical place frequented by home-town hero, St. Francis. The natural setting away from the town was a place of solitude and silence for Francis and his followers to dedicate themselves to prayer and contemplation. They utilized the natural caves in the rocks, and built a little chapel and rustic lodgings. Through the years the monastery expanded in different stages and became a larger, more comfortable complex while retaining its simplistic, rustic style constructed in the charateristic rosy stone found in these hills. The Eremo (which means "hermitage") is still inhabited by Franciscan friars today. The complex includes the convent and the church of Santa Maria delle Carceri. There is a wide open courtyard with fantastic views over the beautiful, unspoiled countryside. You can follow the self-guiding tour through narrow passageways, under low doorways, and down irregular stone staircases. The simple and humble Chapel of the Madonna is especially charming. From here, take the stairs down to see the original cave of Saint Francis and his stone bed. A trail leads into the woods and passes several devotional chapels along its path. Not far from the monastery is a collection of bronze statues depicting St. Francis lying on the ground, contemplating the heavens. His two friends sketch the constellations on the ground. Don't miss the ancient oak tree, where legend says the birds gathered to hear St. Francis speak. Since that day the white doves haven't left this place, staying close to the spirit of the revered saint. The Eremo delle Carcari is open from 6:30 AM until 7:15 PM from Easter through November; from 6:30 am until sunset from November through Easter.
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