Walks and devotional routes in the Matese region

6. Paths and Devotional Routes in the Matese

The Matese ridge, with its valleys, ridges, and ancient tratturi (drove roads), naturally lends itself to the rediscovery of devotional routes linked to the Michaelic cult, which are rooted in pastoral practices, community rituals, and mountain spirituality. Today’s routes, often hiking or cultural in nature, retrace stretches of ancient paths walked for centuries by farmers, shepherds, hermits, and pilgrims, offering a privileged space for a renewed spiritual experience.

Ancient Pastoral Paths and Sacred Walks

The tratturi of the central-southern Apennines—grassy roads beaten by transhumance—have also been conduits of faith and religious culture. In the Matese, many of these routes passed near caves dedicated to Saint Michael, springs considered sacred, votive shrines, or small rural altars.

Among the historically documented routes:

• The Pescasseroli–Candela Tratturo, which skirts the eastern Matese, was a true artery of both movement and spiritual connection.

• The paths between Faicchio, Guardiaregia, Gioia Sannitica, and Piedimonte, used by shepherds, touched places associated with the Michaelic cult (caves, summit crosses, springs invoked for the protection of livestock).

• The “ascent paths” to high points such as Monte Cila or Monte Erbano held penitential and initiatory value, often tied to the agricultural calendar.

Many of these paths are still accessible today as naturalistic trails and could be structured as local spiritual routes.

Proposal for a “Via Micaelica of the Matese”

In light of the Michaelic presences throughout the territory and inspired by the tradition of European pilgrimage routes dedicated to the Archangel (from Mont-Saint-Michel to Monte Sant’Angelo), the idea is emerging for a “Via Micaelica of the Matese”—a thematic route, either circular or in linear stages, connecting the main local Michaelic sites.

Possible stops and key points:

• Cave of Saint Michael in Faicchio

• Cave of Curti in Gioia Sannitica

• The hilltops of Monte Cila (Alife)

• The area of Guardiaregia and the Bosco di San Michele

• Links to the Valle Telesina and the Benevento Sannio

• Potential extension towards Sacred Molise and neighbouring rock sanctuaries

The project could take shape as a network of hiking and spiritual trails, enhancing hospitality points, historical maps, oral sources, micro-sanctuaries, and cultural landscapes.

Proposals for Cultural and Spiritual Itineraries

Alongside the design of the Via Micaelica, various local and inter-municipal initiatives can already be launched:

• Community Walks: short itineraries with readings, prayers, traditional songs, and collection of testimonies along the ancient paths.

• Themed Itineraries for Schools: guided walks with educational stops (caves, ex-votos, shrines) as part of civic education and heritage projects.

• Seasonal Experiential Walks: public events on 29th September (Saint Michael’s Day) or marking the start of agricultural seasons.

• Project “Michael Walks with Us”: proposal for a Matese pilgrim credential, to be stamped at designated points.

“The Michaelic path in the Matese is not only a return to the roots: it is a rediscovery of the slow step, the sacred landscape, the memory that becomes pathway.”