The Hermitage of St. Egidio, located just outside the village of Frosolone at the foot of Colle dell’Orso, is a place of great charm and spirituality. Dedicated to the patron saint of the town, St. Egidio, a hermit attributed with numerous miracles and healings, this sanctuary is a must-visit for those wishing to explore the religious and cultural history of Molise.
The origins of the hermitage are very ancient, though the exact date of its construction remains unknown. During the Middle Ages, it was a small chapel with an annexed hermitage, linked to the Convent of Sant’Onofrio and managed by the Antonian Order, a significant monastic and hospital community. Both the convent and the chapel were destroyed in the early 1300s, but the church was later rebuilt. In 1704, the building was demolished again to make way for a new church with an adjoining hermitage and well.
In 1805, a powerful earthquake with its epicenter in the Frosolone mountains destroyed the hermitage and bell tower, but they were once again reconstructed. Today, the church features a rectangular layout with a single nave, a limestone portal, and a central rectangular window. Inside, the nave is divided into three bays on each side, covered by barrel vaults with lunettes. Two chapels with cross vaults are located on either side of the presbytery: the right one houses the Crucified Christ and the statue of Padre Pio.
The Hermitage of St. Egidio is a deeply revered site for the community of Frosolone, particularly for the presence of the statue of the Crowned Virgin Mary, who is said to have miraculously appeared twice in the church. In addition to being a religious site, the sanctuary offers visitors the opportunity to engage in spiritual exercises and enjoy the “hermit’s menu,” consisting of simple traditional dishes.
A place rich in history, spirituality, and tradition, ideal for those seeking an authentic and immersive experience in the heart of Molise.