The Whole St Francis Way

FLORENCE

(Arrival

Florence, the capital of Tuscany and birthplace of Dante, offers a culturally rich start to the St. Francis pilgrimage to Rome. Explore the renowned Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral and discover its artistic treasures amidst palaces and churches.

FLORENCE to PONTASSIEVE

Leave Florence’s cultural hub for a serene journey through nature, passing olive groves and vineyards. Start at the Basilica of Santa Croce and end in Pontassieve, known for its historic sights and scenic landscapes.

PONTASSIEVE to CONSUMA - MONTEMIGNAIO

Ascend from Pontassieve for panoramic views of the Sieve Valley and Castello di Nipozzano. Reach Consuma, a quaint 15th-century hamlet serving visitors to Casentino National Park.

CONSUMA - MONTEMIGNAIO to STIA

Today’s walk through the Upper Arno Valley offers scenic views and takes you to Stia, nestled at Mount Falterona’s foothills. Stia, known for textiles, is now a gateway to Casentino National Park, where you can savor local delicacies like “Tortello.”

STIA to BADIA PRATAGLIA

Today’s walk unveils stunning vistas as you enter the ancient Casentino Forest, passing the Eremo Camaldoli and the village of Camaldoli with its monastery. Wander through diverse forests before reaching Badia Prataglia, known for its woodwork craft due to abundant forest resources.

BADIA PRATAGLIA to SANTUARIO DELLA VERNA

Today’s challenging journey leads to the holy mountain retreat of St. Francis, offering serene forest paths, village visits, and culminating at the sacred Santuario della Verna atop Mount Penna, where St. Francis received the Stigmata.

SANTUARIO DELLA VERNA to PIEVE SANTO STEFANO

Ascend to Monte Calvano and Monte della Modina, capturing scenic views along the Grande Escursione Appenninica, before descending to Pieve Santo Stefano. Though devoid of its medieval allure due to World War II destruction, the town honors its fallen with a serene Park of Remembrance at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Enlightenment.

PIEVE SANTO STEFANO to SANSEPOLCRO

Traverse the Tiber River, then ascend through forests and farmland for vistas of La Verne and Caprese Michelangelo before descending to Sansepolcro, known for its association with Buitoni Pasta and the distinction of being the first Italian city with electricity, courtesy of a hydroelectric power plant built in 1906.

SANSEPOLCRO to CITERNA

From Sansepolcro, journey through Gricignano, Fighille, and fields of crops to reach Citerna, known for its medieval walkway and notable churches featuring works by renowned Italian artists like Donatello.

CITERNA to CITTA DI CASTELLO

Today’s walk through forests and fields offers breaks at Agriturismo Le Burgne and Lerchi. Explore Citta di Castello, known for its ancient Roman origins, city walls, and landmarks like the Torre Comunale and Pinacoteca Comunale art gallery, with ties to St. Francis legend.

CITTA DI CASTELLO to PIETRALUNGA

Today’s walk winds through vineyards and olive groves, offering picnic spots along the way. Reach Pietralunga after climbing Monte Santo Stefano, where you can explore the Church of Santa Maria and enjoy a well-deserved meal.

PIETRALUNGA to GUBBIO

Zigzag through mountain forests before descending into the valley. Enjoy a picnic at Monteleto’s small parish church, then explore Gubbio, where St Francis once spoke to a wolf. Don’t miss trying pasta with truffles and porcini mushrooms, a local specialty.

GUBBIO to GUBBIO-BISCINA

Retrace St. Francis’s steps, visiting Chiesa di San Francesco della Pace and Ponte d’Assi for supplies. Pass farms and woodlands, visit Madonna della Grazie shrine, Eremo di San Pietro Monastery, and Chiesa del Caprignone before reaching Biscina, with its historic castle tower.

GUBBIO-BISCINA to ASSISI

Capture scenic views of Lago di Valfabbrica and stroll to the Monastery of Santa Maria, where Francis sought help after an attack. Pass Padre Pio’s statue, descend into Assisi, and visit Basilica di San Francesco, where St. Francis’s tomb lies, offering daily pilgrim mass at 6 pm.

ASSISI to FOLIGNO

Enjoy a scenic walk to Spello, exploring its ancient charm, Roman ruins, and churches, then indulge in local cuisine. Continue to Foligno, known for its medieval charm and historical significance, offering museums, cathedrals, and culinary delights.

FOLIGNO to CAMPELLO SUL CLITUNNO

Walk through olive groves to Trevi, known for its olive oil production, and enjoy panoramic views of the valley. Visit historical sites, such as the paleochristian church, and savor local cuisine in Campello sul Clitunno.

CAMPELLO SUL CLITUNNO to SPOLETO

Walk through the valley into Spoleto, known for its Roman Amphitheatre, Basilica of San Salvatore, and fortress Rocca Albornoziana. Don’t miss the Duomo of Santa Maria Assunta with its prized treasure, an original letter by St Francis.

SPOLETO to MACENANO - FERENTILLO

Experience breathtaking views from Monteluco, where St Francis sought solitude. Wander through tranquil woods to Pontuglia, then Ceselli, a sleepy village surrounded by green hills.

MACENANO - FERENTILLO to ARRONE - CASTELDILAGO

Enjoy a leisurely morning and explore Precetto’s castle ruins and the Museum of Mummies. Arrive in Arrone to explore its medieval castle remnants and soak in panoramic views of olive groves and forests.

ARRONE - CASTELDILAGO to PIEDILUCO

Explore the Cascata delle Marmore, created by the Romans in 271 BC. Follow the canal to Piediluco, a tranquil village with medieval charm and the Church of San Francesco.

PIEDILUCO to POGGIO BUSTONE

Walk along the lakeshore to Labro, then through forests to the ancient Faggio Dan Francesco beech tree. Descend to Poggio Bustone, a picturesque town associated with St Francis, offering spectacular views and spiritual landmarks.

POGGIO BUSTONE to RIETI

Walk through rolling hills to Santuario La Foresta, where St Francis stayed during his illness. Witness the ‘Miracle of the Wine’ at the local church, then explore Rieti’s ancient roots and medieval landmarks, including the Chiesa di San Francesco with frescos depicting St Francis’ life.

RIETI to POGGIO SAN LORENZO

Follow tree-lined paths to Ponte Sambuco, a 4th Century Roman Bridge, for a picturesque lunch spot. Then, continue through tranquil countryside to Poggio San Lorenzo, an ancient Roman town surrounded by forested hilltops, offering a peaceful retreat and home-cooked food.

POGGIO SAN LORENZO to PONTICELLI

Stroll through olive groves to a Roman Amphitheatre and the charming Santa Vittoria Church. Pause in Poggio Moiano for lunch, then continue to Scandriglia to admire the XV century Anguillara Palace. Finally, reach Ponticelli for the night, where you can visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie sanctuary.

PONTICELLI to MONTELIBRETTI

Descend from the Appennine mountains to Poggio Corese and Pitirolo. Don’t miss the Orsini Castle in Nerola. Walk through olive groves to Acquaviva for lunch, then head to Montelibretti for the night, known for its churches and Barberini Palace.

MONTELIBRETTI to MONTEROTONDO

MONTEROTONDO to MONTE SACRO

Pass vegetable gardens, olive groves, and an olive oil factory on your way to Rome. Enjoy views of St. Peter’s Basilica from a nearby viewing point before entering the suburbs and reaching Monte Sacro, once a site of rebellion during the Plebeian Revolt and now part of Rome’s metropolitan area.

MONTE SACRO to ROME

As you enter Rome, walk along the Aniene River, passing through Villa Ada Savoia and Villa Glori Park. Reach the culmination of your journey at St. Peter’s Square and Basilica in Vatican City, taking in the awe-inspiring architecture and bustling atmosphere.

ROME

Today, we bid you arrivederci! Take time to explore Rome’s ancient sites and numerous churches. Visit Basilica of St John Lateran to see a painting of St Francis receiving the stigmata and a statue outside that creates a unique optical illusion. Extend your stay to enjoy the city’s art and architecture. Contact us to arrange accommodation for your extended visit.