The monastery of Santo Spirito

With its roots dug into the rocks at the peak of the Orfento Valley, nature area and reserve within Maiella National Park, the monastery of Santo Spirito is probably one of the most attractive places in Italy.
It surely dates back to before the year 1000, but when Pietro da Morrone came here he found it in a complete state of decay. In the following centuries, the building continued to have its highs and lows, until 1807, when it was definitively closed.
Today you reach the monastery by means of a good street that leaves from Roccamorice (in winter it may not be passable due to snow) and continues until reaching the piazza opposite the monastery.
The complex rises, adapting itself to the rocky bastions of the Orfento Valley, the various bodies are fused with the live rock and connected to each other by stairways and walkways carved into the mountain, some of which are absolutely not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo.
We won't linger by describing the singular bodies of the structure as to not take anything away from the fascination of exploring this very tall building.
To see the inside of the monastery during off-season, it is necessary to make reservations at the "Comune" (City Hall) of Roccamorice; during summer, however, it is regularly open, and it is also possible to stay overnight here.

From the town of Roccamorice, follow the indications for the "eremo di Santo Spirito"; the street ends at the square opposite the monastery. Continuing on foot to go back up to the valley, you'll find a lovely waterfall.