Inspired around the life of St Francis of Assisi, this walking trail incorporates all the pilgrimage sites for the beloved Saint. Born in the Umbrian hill town of Assisi, the walk begins at the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, the largest shrine to the Saint in the world. Continuing south to Assisi and continuing onwards to Rome, the path incorporates all the sites central to the life of the Saint most notably the La Verna Sanctuary, home town of Assisi and the Rieti Valley.
The Northern Way starts in Tuscany, crossing the Foreste Casentinesi National Park and passing the towns of Citerna, Citta di Castello and Gubbio before reaching Assisi and the Basilica of San Francesco. The Southern Way starts from Rome travelling through the Holy Valley of Rieti to Umbria, visiting Arrone, Ferentillo and Ceselli en route to Assisi.
The route’s mountainous terrain provides a demanding walk but delivers spectacular scenery and landscapes with pilgrims crossing the Apennine mountains and visiting medieval hilltop villages.
