Sanctuary of Monte delle Formiche

The Monte delle Formiche is named for a very ancient phenomenon that takes place every year around September 8, swarms of a variety of winged ants (Myrmica scabrinodis) reach the top of the hill for their "nuptial flight" and die here. The shrine, formerly known as Santa Maria Formicarum and now officially named Santa Maria di Zena, is surrounded by forest and dates back to the 11th century, but was rebuilt as early as the 4th century, then also in the 19th century and in 1957 (in fact it was destroyed in World War II). Not far away is a cave where the hermit Barberius lived in the 16th century.