Our goal for the afternoon was to visit the monastery at Subiaco, a place I’d always wanted to go to, but somehow never managed to get to. First however, like the gentleman from the winery, we needed lunch. As we wound our way up the mountain to the monastery, we pulled off at a roadside restaurant. Our pasta portions with porcini mushrooms and another with meat ragu sauce were very filling. The amazing part of it though was the price. Have a look at the check. Our ¼ liter of house wine (cesanese at a cost of .80) was cheaper than our bottle of water (2.00). Only in Italy!
And finally, the true highlight of the day; the monastery at Subiaco. The drive there is filled with lots of twists and turns as we navigate our way higher and higher up Mount Talèo. Upon arrival, one must pass through the gate.........
........and stroll the path of trees growing surreally from the rocks.
At the end of the path is a set of winding stone steps.........
.......and when you come to the top, you finally get your first phenomenal view of the monastery built into the side of the mountain.
And what a view it is….breathtaking, truly.