The Sacred Woods of Monteluco: a walk-through nature and mysticism

The Sacred Woods of Monteluco are on the top of the Monteluco hill, joined to Spoleto by the Ponte delle Torri bridge. A very special place, where nature and mysticism meet. In fact, the woods are distinguished by the presence of evergreen oak, a tree that is generally near water-rich places such as the sea or lakes.

In the Sacred Woods it is possible to see numerous special birds. Many nest here: the short-toed treecreeper and three types of woodpeckers: the green woodpecker, the great spotted woodpecker and the wood nuthatch. In addition to the special features of the area, this is where many monks and Saints came to prey centuries ago. A sacred place, for people who love walking to discover mystical places in touch with nature.

A forest to encounter your own spirituality

In the Sacred Woods of Monteluco, along the foot trail that takes you through the woods behind the San Francesco (Saint Francis) sanctuary, also known as the Eremo Francescano (Franciscan Hermitage), you will come across many hermitages and caves, including the Sant’Antonio da Padova cave. You will also come across just as many churches along the path:

• The San Pietro church, an example of Umbrian Romanesque, built at the beginning of the 5th century
• The Romanesque S. Giuliano church, built in the 12th century above a building dating back to the 6th century
• The Monteluco sanctuary. According to tradition it was founded by Saint Francis himself, following a donation from the Benedictine monks
• The small church named after S.Caterina d’Alessandria, next to the Sanctuary

From Sacred to Secular: La Lex Luci Spoletina

Near the woods the Lex Luci Spoletina was discovered, dating back to the 3rd century B.C., written in archaic Latin, which was considered the first example of forest regulations. The slab had the following words engraved on it, with specific indications:

Let no-one violate this grove nor carry out anything that is in the grove nor set foot in it [or possibly ‘cut it’] except annually on the day of the rite; on the day when it is done because of the rite it shall be permitted to enter (cut) it with impunity. Whosoever violates the grove shall give a purificatory offering of an ox to Jupiter; whoever violates it knowingly and maliciously shall give a purificatory offering of an ox to Jupiter and shall be fined 300 asses [a unit of currency]. The chief magistrate shall be responsible for the exaction of the offering and fine.

Today in the forest it is possible to admire a reproduction of the ancient stone slab.

How to get to the Sacred Woods of Monteluco

Monteluco di Spoleto is about 7 Km from the historical centre of Spoleto, along the SP 462 road. From Spoleto, on foot, it is possible to go to the Sacred Woods from the Fortilizio dei Mulini by taking the CAI trail n. 3 from via del Tiro a Segno. You can also get here by walking across the Ponte delle Torri which, however, is frequently under maintenance.