High above the valley, the Hermitage of San Grato beckons. San Grato, the patron saint of Aosta, sought solace in these very mountains. The hermitage is a testament to his devotion, a small chapel nestled among meadows and forests. San Grato, Bishop of Aosta in the 5th century, would often retreat here with his disciple, Jocundus. They sought peace and solitude amidst the stunning panorama of Aosta and the towering Alps. The first records of a hermitage here date back to the 13th century. The current structure we see before us underwent expansions in 1754. Tragically, an avalanche in 1918 partially destroyed the hermitage. It was later lovingly restored, preserving its significance as a place of pilgrimage. Inside the chapel, frescoes depict scenes from San Grato’s life and his miraculous works. Atop the bell tower stands a three-meter statue of San Grato, crafted in 1863 by sculptor Basil Thomasset. Every year, on the night of September 6th, a procession winds its way from Pila to the hermitage. This “Route des jeunes” honors the patron saint of the Aosta Valley. The hermitage remains a sanctuary of quiet reflection, offering a spiritual atmosphere for those seeking a connection to San Grato and the natural beauty that surrounds it.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to