Cascia
|
Latest page update: 21 May 2025
|
By: Dion Protani
|
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Cascia
Cascia has a good range of established hotels catering to pilgrims and visitors drawn to the Basilica of Saint Rita and the surrounding Sibillini Mountains. Accommodation in the town is well reviewed for comfort, service and convenience.
Hotel Monte Meraviglia is one of the leading choices, offering modern rooms, a restaurant and excellent guest feedback for both comfort and hospitality (€€). Grand Hotel Elite provides spacious accommodation with a restaurant, bar and consistently positive reviews for cleanliness, convenience and service (€€). For a more traditional stay, Hotel Cursula combines family-run warmth with comfortable rooms and strong ratings for food quality and attentive staff (€€).
Hotel Monte Meraviglia is one of the leading choices, offering modern rooms, a restaurant and excellent guest feedback for both comfort and hospitality (€€). Grand Hotel Elite provides spacious accommodation with a restaurant, bar and consistently positive reviews for cleanliness, convenience and service (€€). For a more traditional stay, Hotel Cursula combines family-run warmth with comfortable rooms and strong ratings for food quality and attentive staff (€€).
Where is
Where is Cascia?
|
The town of Cascia is situated within the Province of Perugia and has a population of around 3,000 residents. It stands at an elevation of 653 metres above sea level.
Places of interest nearby include Monteleone di Spoleto and the Monti Sibillini National Park, while the main sight is the extraordinary Basilica di Santa Rita da Cascia. |
|
Comune di Cascia
|
Province: Perugia
Region: Umbria Population: 2,973 (in 2024 - source) Size: 181 km² Elevation: 653 metres Close by: Monteleone di Spoleto, Monti Sibillini National Park |
What People Ask About Cascia, Umbria
Is Cascia worth visiting?
How do I get to Cascia?
What are the main attractions in Cascia?
What is Cascia known for?
What food is typical of Cascia?
Related links
Discover
Discover Cascia
Surrounded by the mountains of south-eastern Umbria, Cascia is a historic hill town set within the upper Valnerina Valley. The town rises above the Corno River, with terraced houses and medieval streets clustered around its central square. Its elevated position offers wide views over wooded slopes and valleys, while the surrounding countryside is known for its lentil cultivation and rural traditions.
Cascia is best known as the home of Saint Rita, whose life and miracles have made the town a major centre of pilgrimage. The Basilica of Santa Rita da Cascia, built in her honour, contains her relics and attracts visitors from around the world. Other notable sites include the Church of San Francesco and the remains of medieval fortifications that recall the town’s strategic role in the region’s history. Linked by road to Norcia and Spoleto, Cascia combines religious heritage with a setting that reflects the rugged beauty of the Umbrian Apennines.
Cascia is best known as the home of Saint Rita, whose life and miracles have made the town a major centre of pilgrimage. The Basilica of Santa Rita da Cascia, built in her honour, contains her relics and attracts visitors from around the world. Other notable sites include the Church of San Francesco and the remains of medieval fortifications that recall the town’s strategic role in the region’s history. Linked by road to Norcia and Spoleto, Cascia combines religious heritage with a setting that reflects the rugged beauty of the Umbrian Apennines.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Cascia
- Centro Storico di Cascia unfolds across gentle slopes in the Valnerina, its narrow streets winding between stone houses, medieval towers, and graceful archways. The town blends rustic mountain charm with sacred architecture, featuring noble façades, quiet piazzas, and panoramic terraces overlooking forested valleys. Walking through Cascia offers a serene encounter with history, devotion, and the peaceful rhythms of Umbrian mountain life.
- Basilica di Santa Rita da Cascia stands as the town’s most important landmark, dedicated to Saint Rita, one of Italy’s most beloved saints. Its pale stone façade and grand interior welcome pilgrims from around the world. Inside, visitors discover baroque altars, frescoes, and the saint’s preserved body displayed in a silver and glass shrine. The basilica remains the spiritual heart of Cascia and a powerful symbol of faith and hope.
- Chiesa di San Francesco rises within the town centre, its simple stone façade hiding an interior adorned with frescoes and wooden altars. The church reflects Cascia’s medieval devotion and artistic heritage. It has long been a place for quiet prayer and community gatherings. It remains a significant part of the town’s spiritual and cultural identity.
- Piazza Garibaldi serves as the social heart of Cascia, surrounded by historic buildings, cafés, and spaces where locals and pilgrims mingle. The square hosts markets, festivals, and religious processions that bring colour and life to the town throughout the year. Cobblestones underfoot and views of green hills create a welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to pause and absorb the gentle rhythm of Cascia’s daily life.
- Guided religious and historical tours in Cascia lead visitors through sacred sites, medieval streets, and into the surrounding hills where Saint Rita once lived. Local guides share stories of miracles, medieval life, and the enduring legacy of the saint. Tours often include tastings of local specialities like lentil dishes, cured meats, and traditional Umbrian pastries. Exploring with a guide unveils Cascia’s unique blend of deep spirituality, history, and mountain hospitality.
Tours and Activities
Cascia Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Cascia Photo Gallery
Umbria Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Umbria
1. Assisi
2. Spoleto
3. Gubbio
4. Perugia
5. Orvieto
6. Lake Trasimeno
7. Castelluccio
8. Marmore Waterfalls
9. Trevi
10. Todi
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Umbria
1. Assisi
2. Spoleto
3. Gubbio
4. Perugia
5. Orvieto
6. Lake Trasimeno
7. Castelluccio
8. Marmore Waterfalls
9. Trevi
10. Todi
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Umbria
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Cascia
By Rail: The nearest train station to Cascia is in Spoleto, approximately 45 kilometres away. The station lies on the Rome–Ancona line operated by Trenitalia, with regional and intercity services. Trains from Spoleto connect to Foligno in about 20 minutes, Perugia in roughly 45 minutes, and Rome in around 2 hours. From Spoleto, buses and taxis provide regular connections to Cascia.
By Road: Cascia is located in the province of Perugia, Umbria, in the southeastern Apennine Mountains. From Spoleto, the drive is around 45 kilometres and takes about 1 hour via the SS685. From Norcia, it is approximately 18 kilometres and takes roughly 25 minutes by car. Parking is available near the town centre and around the Sanctuary of Saint Rita.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Cascia is located in the province of Perugia, Umbria, in the southeastern Apennine Mountains. From Spoleto, the drive is around 45 kilometres and takes about 1 hour via the SS685. From Norcia, it is approximately 18 kilometres and takes roughly 25 minutes by car. Parking is available near the town centre and around the Sanctuary of Saint Rita.
Nearest International Airports:
- Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport: Approximately 95 kilometres from Cascia, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 40 minutes via the SS685 and SS3. It is the nearest airport, offering domestic and short-haul European flights.
- Ancona Falconara Airport: Located about 165 kilometres northeast, taking roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes by car via the SS76. A good choice for visitors arriving from northern or eastern Italy.
- Rome Ciampino Airport: Around 170 kilometres southwest, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes via the A1 and SS685. Convenient for international travellers from across Europe.
Private Transfers
Cascia Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable and convenient way to reach Cascia or continue your journey from the town to other destinations in Umbria and neighbouring regions. You’ll be collected directly from your chosen location and driven by a professional local driver, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey without the need for car hire or public transport.
Private transfers can be arranged to and from Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport, which offers the most straightforward option for both arrivals and departures. The journey from the airport to Cascia usually takes around 1 hour 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic and road conditions. Transfers can also be organised to Norcia, Spoleto, and Leonessa, or to nearby destinations such as Terni, Assisi, and Foligno.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Private transfers can be arranged to and from Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport, which offers the most straightforward option for both arrivals and departures. The journey from the airport to Cascia usually takes around 1 hour 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic and road conditions. Transfers can also be organised to Norcia, Spoleto, and Leonessa, or to nearby destinations such as Terni, Assisi, and Foligno.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
