The ruins of a 10th-century abbey stand on a steep, strategic position overlooking the Vitulano valley. Still visible amongst the encroaching woodland are the remains of a defensive tower, an entrance portal, parts of the encircling walls and the original church apse. Founded by a Longobard prince between 940 and 944, the abbey was controlled by several monastic orders before being badly damaged in the Sannio earthquake of 1688 and eventually deconsecrated in 1705. Its name derives from the local term for the karst caves in the gorge below, which were used by the monks to secure a water supply. The site can only be reached on foot via old mule tracks. From the centre of Vitulano in the province of Benevento, take the main road towards Camposauro. The trail begins along Via Camposauro, from which a path of just under two kilometres leads to the ruins. The route follows the side of the mountain, passing through wooded areas and pasture land before arriving at the abbey. Sources: Wikipedia; Rosmarinonews.it; Sannio Matese Magazine; Trekking.it; FAI - Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano.