Cascia
Cascia: A Small Umbrian Municipality
Cascia is a municipality in the province of Perugia in Umbria with a population of approximately 3,000 inhabitants. It is located on the border with the province of Rieti in Lazio, in a low mountainous area that is just slightly hilly in the Valnerina region. The municipality is known for its history, culture and artistic heritage, with a strong religious imprint thanks to the figure of Saint Rita of Cascia, the city's patron saint.
Its history
Cascia has medieval origins, constituting itself as a municipality in the 12th century. Initially under the domination of the lordship of Foligno, the city then passed into the hands of Frederick II of Swabia, reaching its maximum splendor during the Middle Ages. In the 16th century, it was annexed to the Papal States, but always maintained its independence. In 1596, it was elevated to the rank of city by Pope Clement VIII, and was tied to the State of the Church until the unification of Italy in 1860.
Symbols of Cascia
The coat of arms of Cascia has been known since the 15th century and represents the legendary figure of Porrina, the healer and snake charmer, who announced the birth of a flower in Roccaporena in 1380. From that village came Margherita Lotti, the future Saint Rita of Cascia, whose figure is very important for the city. The coat of arms is composed of three red roses on a white background.
Places of interest
Cascia is a city rich in places of interest. Among the most important monuments are the buildings belonging to the complex of the Sanctuary of Saint Rita, including the Basilica of Saint Rita of Cascia, the Lower Basilica of Saint Rita of Cascia, the Monastery of Saint Rita of Cascia and the Penitentiary of Saint Rita of Cascia. This religious complex dominates the city and is a destination for many devoted pilgrims every year.
The church of San Francesco, dating back to Gothic architecture, preserves a beautiful rose window on the facade and an ogival portal. The Church of Sant'Antonio Abate, originally from the 15th century but later redesigned in the Baroque era, is currently used as a museum. Inside, there are two fresco cycles from the 15th century.
The Church of Santa Maria della Visitazione, originally from the time of the Lombards, is one of the oldest buildings in the city. It has suffered numerous damages due to earthquakes and wars and is characterized by the wooden crucifix from the 1400s inside.
Conclusions
Cascia is an incredibly fascinating city, rich in history and artistic heritage. Its Gothic and Baroque architecture, ancient churches and the Sanctuary of Saint Rita of Cascia make Cascia a perfect destination for those who love history and art. Despite its small size, Cascia offers a lot to its visitors, and one cannot fail to be struck by the beauty of the city and the warmth of its inhabitants.
