Bellegra. St. Francis Convent

The story goes that St. Francis convent in Bellegra was founded in 1223 directly by Saint Francis on an old farm structure of the Benedictine monks.

Francis was on his way to visit the Sacro Speco when he was struck by the peace and beauty of Bellegra countryside, with the green of chestnut and beech trees.

Here he rested in a small farmhouse that then was donated by Benedictines and on which he founded the small monastery.

Inside a museum was established with historical artifacts from the life of the community.

The convent is also known by the name of 'Nest of the Saints' because here have passed about forty monks who later became saints.

Among these they remember the three anonymous thieves converted directly by Saint Francis, plus Blessed Thomas of Cori and St. Theophilus of Corte.