Art, obsession, and identity
Throughout history, many have opted to lead secluded lives. Whether for a prolonged period to focus on their work or merely to detach from the outside world and rejuvenate, their reclusive tendencies were undeniable. However, this compilation takes a different approach. It delves into the lives of those who actively embraced solitude and made a conscious decision to live as hermits, distancing themselves from society.
If this piques your curiosity, browse this gallery and uncover intriguing insights about some of history's most famous hermits.
Manfred Gnädinger, a German man, relocated to Camelle, Spain in 1962. He became famous for his sculpture garden which contained statues made from stone and other materials. He was known for wearing nothing but a small loin cloth.
Visitors frequented his sculpture garden which was sadly flooded by a major oil spill shortly before hermit/artist's death at the age of 66.
In 1914, a young stonemason from Italy came to Australia to avoid the war. The tale goes that he ended up spending all his money in a brothel not long after arriving.
After going broke, he decided to relocate to a cave close to the town of Griffith, which he affectionately named "Hismia Sacra Collina" or "My Sacred Hill." While residing in the cave, he constructed various structures, including a modest chapel. Referred to as "The Hermit of Griffith," Ricetti spent approximately 23 years in this secluded dwelling. However, when World War II erupted, he was apprehended by the Australian government on charges of espionage and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp. Tragically, he passed away in Italy in 1952.
The American naturalist lived alone in this remote cabin in Twin Lakes, Alaska, for 30 years.
After serving in the Navy during World War II, Richard Proenneke moved into the cabin. A memoir was later published, drawing from his journals.
Dubbed "France's Robinson Crusoe," Villatte stated that he hadn't consulted a doctor for over four decades. He used to live in a village near Pillac, France. Tragically, Villatte met his demise on approximately August 5, 1965. His body was only found days after his death.
Following the passing of his mother, "Mad Lucas" isolated himself within his residence adjacent to Redcoats Green in Hertfordshire, England. Henceforth, Lucas gained recognition as the "Hermit of Redcoats." He subsequently passed away in the year 1874.
Maxime Qavtaradze, a Georgian monk, lives in a modest cottage situated atop the Katskhi pillar in Georgia.
In 1993, he relocated to the lofty limestone monolith, descending from it only a few times per week. This descent typically takes about 20 minutes.
Syrian Christian ascetic Simeon Stylites also resided on a pillar for 37 years, joining Maxime Qavtaradze in this unique practice.
These men, known as stylites or pillar hermits, had a unique way of life. They would reside atop pillars and devote themselves to prayer and fasting. Among them, Simeon Stylites gained recognition as a saint, revered not only by the Roman Catholic Church, but also by the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches.
Pietro del Morrone was living his best hermit life when he reluctantly assumed the papacy in 1292 due to external pressures.
Previously, he resided within a cave and practice mortification of the flesh. He emerged as the originator of the Roman Catholic monastic group called the Celestines.
Julian of Norwich, a Medieval anchoress, was known for her religious withdrawal from society. It is speculated that she isolated herself to evade the Plague. Her notable accomplishment was being the first-known woman to write a book in English.
The book's title was 'Revelations of Divine Love,' and it was initially published in 1670. It provided a detailed account of Julian's visions of Jesus and the accompanying revelations.
Due to her visions of Jesus, individuals sought her out for spiritual counsel, yet Julian maintained a solitary existence in her cell.
Despina Achladioti was a a Greek patriot born in 1890. She became known as the "Lady of Ro," after moving to a desert islet with the same name (pictured).
Before World War II, Achladioti relocated to the islet near Kastelorizo with her husband and mother. Unfortunately, they passed away, leaving her to live there in solitude for the remainder of her life. Despina Achladioti became a daily symbol of Greek patriotism by raising the Greek flag each day.
It is worth noting that the Dodecanese islands, of which Ro is part, were controlled by Italy during the war.
Józef Stawinoga, a homeless man from Poland also known as Fred, resided for more than four decades in a tent on the Wolverhampton Ring Road in the West Midlands, England. Sadly, he passed away in 2007.
The Colombian priest converted to become a Maronite monk and relocated to the Our Lady of Hawka Monastery, situated in the Qadisha Valley of North Lebanon. Escobar is recognized as one of the few remaining hermits in Lebanon.
During the 1960s, an English newspaper editor acquired Moyenne Island. In 1973, he relocated to this tiny Seychelles island and dedicated himself to planting numerous trees and tending to the well-being of the giant tortoises. Thanks to his remarkable efforts, the island was officially designated as a national park in 2008.
Smith spent three decades living in a solitary shepherd's shack at Strathchailleach in Sutherland, near Cape Wrath in the Scottish Highlands.
The ex-Black Watch soldier from Dumbarton, Scotland, used to trek 26 miles (41.8 km) to the nearest town whenever he needed to make a purchase.
Sources: (Ranker) (Listverse) (Express & Star) (Amusing Planet)
See also: Mysterious disappearances of famous figures whose bodies were never found
The fascinating lives of history's most famous hermits
Solitary souls who chose isolation to be with their inner worlds
LIFESTYLE Solitude
Throughout history, many have opted to lead secluded lives. Whether for a prolonged period to focus on their work or merely to detach from the outside world and rejuvenate, their reclusive tendencies were undeniable. However, this compilation takes a different approach. It delves into the lives of those who actively embraced solitude and made a conscious decision to live as hermits, distancing themselves from society.
If this piques your curiosity, browse this gallery and uncover intriguing insights about some of history's most famous hermits.