Basilica of St. Rita of Cascia
Saint Rita was a widowed woman with two sons. After her husband was assasinated around 1406, she worried that her sons might resort to violence against the family that murdered her husband. She prayed that they would not avenge his death. Her sons died not long after, possibly of the plague. Saint Rita joined the Monastery of St. Mary Magdalene in 1407 where she remained until her death in 1457. In 1442, as she was praying and contemplating on the love of Christ for humanity, she prayed to participate in his suffering. It was then that a piece from the crown of thorns of Jesus Christ pierced her forehead which stigmata she had to endure for the rest of her life.
The colorful frescoes at the Basilica were the works of Luigi Montanarini, Luigi Filocamo, Silvio Consadori, Gisberto Cerracchini and Cesarino Vicenzi.
A screen separates the coffin of Saint Rita from the rest of the church.
St. Rita of Cascia
St. Rita of Cascia
Prayer to St. Rita
"O Glorious Saint Rita, patroness of those in need, your intercession with our Lord is most powerful. Through the favors obtained by your prayers, you have been called 'Advocate of hopeless and even impossible cases.' Saint Rita, humble and pure; patient and compassionate lover of Christ Crucified! We have confidence that everyone who recourse to you will find comfort and relief. Listen to our petitions and show your power with God on our behalf. Obtain our petitions for us if they are for the greater honor of God, and for our good.“
Construction work on the Basilica began in 1937. It was completed in 1947. Several professionals collaborated on the construction from the plan laid out by the engineer, Maria Spirito Chiapetta and two architects, Giuseppe Calori and Giuseppe Martinenghi.
These reliefs of the life of St. Rita frame the main portal of the Basilica. Eros Pellini sculpted these reliefs.
Porticoes of Cascia
Uphill climb to the Basilica from Hotel delle Rose.
The Monastery where St. Rita lived for forty years as an Augustinian nun.
St. Rita was asked by the Mother Superior to water a dried up brushwood. She did as was asked and a lush vine thrived from the dried brushwood. The vine we see today is not the original one but rather a symbol of obedience and humility.
This was St. Rita’s coffin in the 15th century.
Cascia
Link to my YouTube video of St. Rita of Cascia: https://youtu.be/DshQ1E36La0?feature=shared
How to get to Cascia from Rome:
Take the train from Tiburtina Station in Rome to Treni. The fare is €9. At Treni, there is a bus that goes to Cascia. Check the bus schedule so you can time your arrival in Treni and don’t have to wait too long for your connection. Alternatively, there is a taxi service to Cascia for €150. as of August 2025. The taxi will take you to your hotel whereas the bus will drop you off at their terminal. If your hotel is up on the hill or if you plan to go directly to the Basilica, you will have to take a series of escalators, elevators and stairs to reach the top of the hill. If you would rather take a day tour to Cascia, check GetyourGuide or Viator for their tours.
Where to stay:
Hotel delle Rose is right beside the Basilica. It’s a short walk downhill from the Basilica and quite convenient. They’re popular with groups. Make sure to reserve early. Contact them through this link: https://hoteldellerose.com/#. I was able to get a room at this hotel through booking.com.
Sanctuary hours:
If you have issues walking uphill or downhill: Ask your tour guide or hotel to drop you off in front of the Basilica. There is a ramp on the side of the Basilica if you can’t go up the stairs or if you’re using a wheelchair.
Dont miss a visit to Rocca Porrena
Just ten minutes away by car is the village of Rocca Porrena, the birthplace and home of Saint Rita. Her former home as a married woman has been converted into a beautiful chapel. Spend some time here and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains.
Rocca Porrena
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Images by TravelswithCharie unless otherwise noted