San Bartolomeo a Lozzole

The Hermitage of Lozzole is a small spiritual gem nestled among the woods of the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines, in the municipality of Marradi. Its charm lies not only in the beauty of the surrounding landscape, but also in its ancient history, the legends that envelop it, and its revival after decades of abandonment. Thanks to a recent restoration, carried out by Don Giuseppe Samorì, Lozzole has returned to being a point of reference for hikers, pilgrims, and history enthusiasts. The origins of the Hermitage of Lozzole date back to the 15th century when it was built as a place of prayer and refuge for hermits and travelers. The toponym "Lozzole" may derive from medieval Latin, indicating a secluded or wooded place, suitable for monastic life and spiritual retreat. The hermitage was born as a rural church and was later expanded, becoming an important religious landmark for the scattered communities in the mountains. For centuries, it was a place of worship and hospitality for those traveling the rugged roads between Tuscany and Romagna. Located at over 1,100 meters above sea level, Lozzole was one of the most isolated parish churches in the area, but its strategic position made it a necessary passage for travelers. During World War II, Lozzole was the scene of dramatic events: its location along the Gothic Line exposed it to looting and destruction by Nazi-Fascist troops. It was a hiding place for partisans fighting against the Nazi-Fascist occupation. It is said that some soldiers found shelter here during the harsh Apennine winters. After the war, with the progressive depopulation of the countryside, the hermitage was abandoned, falling into ruin. Only in recent decades, thanks to the intervention of Don Giuseppe Samorì, it has been restored and brought back to life. Today, Lozzole is once again a place of welcome and contemplation for pilgrims and hikers. Thanks to the work of Don Giuseppe Samorì and numerous volunteers, the hermitage has been recovered and made accessible again. Today, it is a point of reference for pilgrims and trekking enthusiasts, who can reach it through fascinating trails immersed in nature. The hermitage of Lozzole preserves the austere simplicity of mountain churches. The main elements are: the church, with its facade in local stone and the sparse yet evocative interior; the sail bell tower, which stands out among the woods and marks time with its ancient sound; the remains of the monastic buildings, once used by monks and travelers seeking hospitality; the nearby Spring of the Common Frog. Once, the hermitage housed precious works of art, many of which are now preserved elsewhere for security reasons.

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