Abbey of Sant'Ellero

On the hill above Galeata, in the Bidente valley, stands the abbey dedicated to Sant'Ellero, a hermit who lived between the 5th and 6th centuries and withdrew here to a life of prayer, founding a community of monks. The church you see, Romanesque in style, has been rebuilt several times during the Middle Ages and retains an ancient, secluded atmosphere.

The most famous legend tells of the meeting between the saint and Theodoric, the king of the Goths who ruled from Ravenna and had a villa right here in the valley, at Galeata. The king wanted the monks to work for him; Ellero refused, and a miracle convinced Theodoric to leave him in peace and even to donate land to the abbey.

Inside, the church houses the saint's sarcophagus, venerated as a protector against illnesses of the spirit. Around it, the woods and paths make the abbey a beloved destination for hikers too.

Going down into the valley you'll find Galeata, with the Mambrini museum and the remains of the Roman city of Mevaniola. In half a day you can combine spirituality, Roman history and a lunch of mountain cuisine.