The Sanctuary of San Romedio is located in Trentino, surrounded by the wild nature of the Val di Non, home to deer and roe deer. The aura of sacredness and mystery surrounding the figure of Saint Romedius, the unique architectural structure of the sanctuary, and its extraordinary location all contribute to making this place truly enchanting and almost fairy-tale like.
Perched on a 90-meter-high rock, the sanctuary consists of several churches and chapels that follow the natural shape of the rock, connected by a steep staircase of 131 steps.
The buildings that make up the hermitage date back to different periods. The oldest one, built around the tomb of the hermit Romedius, was constructed around the year 1000. The entire complex is made up of 5 small churches:
- The Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, built in gratitude for peace after the war of 1915–1918;
- The Church of St. George, dating back to 1489;
- The Church of St. Michael, built in 1514;
- The main Church of St. Romedius, erected in 1536;
- The Ancient Church, the very first, which preserves the Saint’s relics in urns.
The earliest chapels were built with stones carried to the sacred site by the first pilgrims — true examples of the oldest ex-votos. Over the centuries, this religious tradition has lived on in countless offerings — objects of various kinds donated by people of all backgrounds — testifying to illnesses, accidents, and dangers overcome, now displayed along the stairways or preserved inside the sanctuary.
Noteworthy highlights include the triumphal arch marking the entrance, the wooden statue of St. Romedius with the bear, and the penitential path lined with the stations of the Cross, built in 1940, which connects San Romedio to the nearby Basilica of the Anunian Martyrs in Sanzeno.
The evocative atmosphere of the sanctuary is due not only to its architecture and dramatic location but also to the life and legends of Saint Romedius himself.
Holy Masses at San Romedio
All year: Monday to Friday at 4:00 p.m.
July and August: at 5:00 p.m.
Sundays: 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Saturdays and feast-day vigils: no Mass.
Feast of Saint Romedius
Every year on January 15, the feast of Saint Romedius is celebrated with a solemn Mass and the traditional “pilgrim’s dish” based on tripe.
How to get there
By car: Leave the Brennero motorway at San Michele all’Adige and follow State Road 43 towards Cles. At the Dermulo junction, turn right towards Mendola, and after 4 km you will reach Sanzeno. From the main square, turn right onto a narrow asphalt road leading to the sanctuary’s parking lot (3 km).
4 Walks to the Sanctuary of San Romedio
- The famous rock path from Sanzeno – a scenic, flat walk (45 min), carved into the rock in the 19th century.
- The new Lez of Malgolo – a flat route along an old irrigation canal with a unique view of the Sanctuary.
- From Coredo via the lakes – a loop trail passing Tavon and Coredo lakes, the pine forest, and the Sanctuary (also possible on horseback).
- The descent from Don – one of the most atmospheric routes, following the ancient paths of pilgrims.
