Auscultate! Revel in the natural beauty of the Italian hills, explore medieval monasteries and towns, and read in Latin the ancient wisdom of the patron saint of Europe in Praecepta Magistri: Read and Hike the Way of St. Benedict.
Participants will hike from Rieti, an historic medieval city, to Subiaco, where St. Benedict lived as a hermit and where he attracted his first followers. Along the way we will traverse sixty miles in five days on the Cammino di San Benedetto, a pilgrimage route through Umbria and Lazio that visits sites important to the life and legacy of the founder of Western monasticism. This course has been designed for those seeking a physical journey as well as a spiritual and intellectual one.
In daily Latin classes along this route, students will read passages from Gregory the Great's biography of St. Benedict, the Rule of St. Benedict, and other texts from the rich tradition of Latin literature that animates these landscapes. Students will be able to improve their Latin dramatically through the many opportunities to speak and sing in Latin while hiking. For those who are interested, a Catholic chaplain will participate in the course and offer daily Mass.
Places are limited, reserve your spot now!
Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Rieti
Morning - Flights arrive in Rome (Fiumicino airport)
Afternoon - transfer to Rieti, check-in and dinner
Day 2: Rieti to Rocca Sinibalda
Latin classes, hiking, sight-seeing and local cuisine.
Day 3: Rocca Sinibalda to Castel di Tora
Latin classes, hiking, sight-seeing and local cuisine.
Day 4: Castel di Tora to Orvinio
Latin classes, hiking, sight-seeing and local cuisine.
Day 5: Orvinio to Mandela
Latin classes, hiking, sight-seeing and local cuisine.
Day 6: Mandela to Subiaco
Latin classes, hiking, sight-seeing and local cuisine.
Day 7: Subiaco
Latin classes and a day in Subiaco visiting special sites.
Day 8: Departure