The Hermitage Of San Colombano, Italy

The river Leno, one hundred and 20 meters below had been the site of baptism for the children of the area. During the baptism ceremony the dragon would swoop down and snatch the children, returning with them to its lair and devouring them there. The battle was epic but Colombano eventually destroyed the creature.
Although the hermitage was not built until centuries after the death of the saint, it was in use as a hermitage from the middle of the eight century. The hermitage as we see it now had its inception in 1319 and was in use until 1782. This year saw the prohibition by the Catholic Church of eremitic practice. It was left in the hands of the local people to tend to it – and they did their best. Yet it did need extensive renovation before its reopening in 1996.
It was the interior which was in direst need of renovation and many frescoes have now been returned, as much as they can, to their former glory. You can also see the graffiti of the centuries of pilgrims who made it to the hermitage. The frescoes include the battle between Colombano and the dragon as well as a depiction of paradise – what would await the pilgrims if they led a good life.