Spirituality

 

 

Art is inherent to man. Art is the necessary and fatal limited product, just as nature is the necessary and fatal product of finished intelligence. Art is to man what nature is to God. 

(Victor Hugo 1802-1885)

 

Atina and the Valle di Comino are interrelated to mankind’s most precious token, namely the ability to look into anything that goes beyond man’s

understanding. He can then concentrate his mind on philosophic thoughts, the nature which surrounds him and thus for many on the Christian Faith.

 

Every village, every street corner, every spot constantly mirror this faith: Abbeys, churches, cathedrals, sanctuaries, chapels and other places of worship and pilgrimages are as many invaluable remains transmitted by our ancestors, the highlight being the Benedictine Monastery of Monte Cassino built by St Benedict in 529 a.d. and located at a mere 20km from Atina.

 

Montecassino Abbey:

The Benedictine Monastery of Monte Cassino was destroyed by men's madness during WW II and identically rebuilt right after the war. This exceptional building proudly overlooks the martyrial city of Cassino.

It is worth noting that Charlemagne, King of the Franks, inspired by the rules of the Benedictine order, created a first unification of Europe long after the collapse of the Roman Empire.

 

The Church of San Marco (area of San Marciano) :

Did you know that the area of San Marciano (Atina historical centre) is one of the cradles of the Christian civilisation in Europe?

Ancient relics brought to light confirm the legend according to which San Marco, disciple of apostle St. Peter, carried the good Word at the time of Roman Emperor Domitian (first century a.d.).

From an archaeological point of view, this site, which also includes the cemetery of Atina, is of inestimable interest.

The association dedicates an entire section to the Church of San Marco (see Menu).

 

 Madonna di Canneto

The Sanctuary of the Madonna di Canneto is located in the heart of the Abruzzo, Lazio & Molise National Park at m. 1020 a.s.l., at the foot of the Meta mountain, where the pure waters of the Melfa river gushes forth in the scenic valley of Canneto.

In August, each year, thousands of pilgrims dressed up with the most typical and varied  costumes walk up to the sanctuary in order to perpetuate the ancient traditions of Faith inherited from their ancestors.

They walk all the way from Abruzzo, Molise, Latium and Campania singing religious hymns to the sound of zampogne (bagpipes) and accordions.

They spend the night under portico’s, on the edge of beech woods, along the riverbed, around bonfires lit here and there in the valley. A fascinating fairytale sight!

 

The colourful paths of the Valle di Comino invite thus the visitor to follow a spiritual journey which does not necessarily require to have Faith, but in any case to pay respect to a gorgeous landscape lined with stones each of them having a story to tell.

Admiring a church, even beyond dogmas, means appreciating the know-how and the beauty of a human expression through painting, sculpture and architecture.

In fact, religious events, most of which are listed here below, are of great importance. They pace the seasons all year long and their associated festive activities.

 

LIST OF EVENTS: