Sanctuary of La Foresta

In the background of Mount Terminillo and immersed in a landscape of rare beauty, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Foresta was built from a small rural church dedicated to San Fabiano. Legend says that Saint Francis, coming from Assisi and heading to Rieti to heal his eyes, decided to stay and rest at this hermitage, where he then stayed for over four months. According to various historical sources, in this sanctuary, St. Francis wrote the famous Canticle of the Creatures. The Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Foresta is also known for the "miracle of wine". On that occasion Saint Francis multiplied the bunches of grapes left after an invasion of farmers who destroyed the vineyard cultivated by the priest. Francis reassured him and, despite all, thanks to his miracle, the vineyard produced wine in quantity. Walking along the path to reach the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Foresta it is possible to see, in the first part of the convent complex, some niches decorated with majolicas of the Neapolitan school, dating back to the 18th century, representing the stations of the Via Crucis.