On Mount Fogliamo there is the Hermitage of San Girolamo dating back to the 16th century, still well preserved and used to celebrate mass on some particular days of the year.

The hermitage was built by Brother Girolamo Gabrielli, a Sienese nobleman who retired to this place in penance around 1525.

Thanks to his economic possibilities, he hired local laborers who allowed him to build a crypt dug into a peperino boulder.

Today’s route extends for approximately 12 km, all within the beech forest of Monte Fogliano.

Once we reach Cassia we will head north until we reach a crossroads with traffic lights, we will take them left towards Lago di Vico and Ronciglione, an asphalt road cuts through a spectacular chestnut grove with centenary trees still in production.

Just before the road begins to descend towards the Volcano of Lake Vico we will find a small dirt road on our left, we will take it, paying attention to the uneven surface.

After about 500 meters we will have arrived at a clearing where we can leave the car and start walking.

The central one will be the road to take of the three that we will find ourselves in front of once we arrive at the clearing, we will start walking and soon we will find ourselves immersed in the forest of facci and oaks which from time to time will thin out giving us views towards the end our left.

After a series of hairpin bends we will begin to see the walls of the Convent of Sant’Angelo, about halfway up the walls we will come across the sign that indicates the path towards the Hermitage of San Girolamo which I strongly recommend ignoring to continue along the walls until you reach the asphalt road that we will follow downhill to the left.

No more than 500 meters away we will find ourselves in front of the entrance to the Convent of Sant’Angelo, still managed today by the Passionist Fathers. The monastic complex is worth a visit with a short stop in the small church which is open for most of the day.

We will retrace the road until we find our small path towards San Girolamo.

Once we enter, approximately 2 kilometers of uphill awaits us, immersing ourselves this time in a forest of only centuries-old beech trees. The arrival at the gully that houses the Hermitage will repay us for this small effort.

The hermitage offers a prayer room still used today by the various pilgrims who venture up here.

A ladder on the left allows us to reach the upper part of the structure where a crucifix overlooks a small external area also dedicated to prayer.

After the break we will proceed uphill again even getting lost among the various paths, but don’t panic everyone will take you to a dirt road that runs along Monte Fogliano parallel to the one made to get to the walls.

Once intercepted we will take it to the right and after traveling a few hundred meters still uphill we will reach Cima Coppi which will indicate the highest point of our route.

Now a descent awaits us to our car, flanking Lake Vico on the left which we will admire from various angles.

We are at our car, ready to return to Podere Vasella with images imprinted in our eyes that barely photographs will be able to convey to our lazy friends who have remained at home.