At dawn on the first of September, pilgrims begin the long ascent from Piana del Fiume towards the hermitage of Saint Colomba, suspended at 1,234 metres on the slopes of Mount Infornace. The path crosses a steep and humid beech forest, guardian of the visible signs of human devotion and of manifestations believed to be supernatural<\/b>, such as the saint\u2019s miraculous footprints impressed upon the rocks lining the route. Amid the rhythmic and measured sounds of the tamurr\u00eb<\/i> and the songs intoned by women, the effigy of Saint Colomba is carried in procession through the woods surrounding the hermitage, while the faithful seek protection and comfort in the niche beneath the altar.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"