Eremo di San Leonardo

The Hermitage of San Leonardo stands on a rocky spur in the Infernaccio gorge, beneath Monte Priora. Its present church was rebuilt from ruins through the work of Capuchin-trained friar Pietro Lavini, who received the site in 1971 and undertook its reconstruction in the following years.

Why it matters

The hermitage has a long history as a religious site in the Sibillini. A monastery was established here in the twelfth century and later fell into disuse. Lavini's rebuilding gave new life to the ruined church and made the story of the hermitage closely associated with his persistence and the surrounding mountain landscape.

What to notice

The small church occupies a rock spur above the gorge, where its simple form contrasts with the steep slopes and beech woods. A medal found by Lavini bears the date 1625 and is associated with the site's history as a place used by pilgrims. The hermitage's setting connects it to older paths through the mountains between the Nera and Tenna valleys.

Context and history

The medieval monastery belonged to the Benedictine house of Santa Vittoria in Matenano and served pilgrims travelling through the region. Monastic life declined during the sixteenth century, and the buildings were later used for agricultural purposes. In 1965 Pietro Lavini arrived at the ruins; in 1971 the heirs of Senator Albertini granted him the site. He rebuilt the church over subsequent years. The 2016 earthquakes caused serious damage, and a restoration project was later prepared.