Religious Places

Basilica of Santa Rita

In the highest part of Cascia, to dominate the view of the town, is the Basilica of Santa Rita. It is a modern construction built between 1937 and 1947 where the ancient Augustinian church was located adjacent to the monastery where the saint lived and died. Being in a privileged position at the top of the village from the church square you can enjoy a splendid view of the Umbrian countryside. To reach the sanctuary, however, it is necessary to face the steep steps and alleys that lead from the center of Cascia to the basilica, or follow the road that runs along the village from the outside and arrives as far as the church square.

The structure of the basilica is quite impressive: all in white travertine you enter the main door after climbing a short staircase. The façade is set between two high spiers, surmounted by as many iron crosses, in which the bells are placed. Above the lintel is a dedication to Saint Rita and above, where the rose is usually found, a crucifix is ​​also admired, also in travertine, supported by six angels, behind which a large window opens. The plant is a Greek cross with four apses, the main one houses the main altar. In the apse on the left side a chapel has been created in which the body of the saint is guarded, protected by a glass case placed on a marble basement.

The interior of the Basilica of Santa Rita is decorated with numerous frescoes, bas-reliefs, stained glass windows, paintings and religious-themed sculptures. Some of these present scenes from the life or miracles performed by Rita. The works were created by Italian artists such as Eros Pellini, Luigi Filocamo, Silvio Consadori, Gisberto Ceracchini and Ferruccio Ferrazzi.

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