The Way of St Francis is a hiking trail that connects the most significant places in the life of St Francis. It is approximately 500 km long, stretching from the Sanctuary of La Verna in the province of Arezzo to Rome, and can be travelled on foot, by bicycle or on horseback.
A challenging stage of about 17 km, one of the most beautiful along the Way of St. Francis. From the narrow, green Nera River Valley, you pass through the sunny Spoleto Valley to reach Spoleto, a city of art with its magnificent cathedral, where the autographed letter of Francis of Assisi is preserved.
The route starts from Ceselli and, after crossing the Pontuglia Valley, begins a long and challenging climb that leads to the Castelmonte Pass in about 8 km. In some sections, the slope is steep and it is necessary to proceed at a slow and steady pace, enjoying the beauty of the woods and the splendid views of the Nera Valley. You will pass through the alleys of the ghost town of Sensati.
The arrival in the Sacred Wood of Monteluco, where the Hermitage of St. Francis is located, is a foretaste of the joy of arriving in Assisi. The place is so evocative that it deserves a pause for reflection and a visit to the rough cells of the convent.
From here to Spoleto, the route is downhill.
The arrival in the Sacred Wood of Monteluco, where the Hermitage of St. Francis is located, is a foretaste of the joy of arriving in Assisi. The place is so evocative that it deserves a pause for reflection and a visit to the austere cells of the convent. From here to Spoleto, the route is downhill. The path is dotted with pretty shrines and numerous hermitages, originally inhabited by Syrian anchorites: the Hermitage of St Jerome, the Hermitage of the Graces, and the Church of St Paul the Protohermit. The descent is steep in places, with large steps. At the end, you reach the Ponte delle Torri, which connects the city to its woods, and you almost feel dizzy when crossing it. Once you reach the foot of the Rocca Albornoziana, a few steps take you to Spoleto Cathedral, with its magnificent façade, where one of the very rare autographed letters of St. Francis is preserved. The city, once the capital of the Lombard Duchy, is well worth a visit for its rich heritage of art and monuments.
A simple stage of about 15 km. Walking through the Spoleto countryside, dominated by expanses of olive trees that cover the hills entirely. There are a few uphill stretches, but the effort is rewarded by the beauty of the landscape.
The stage is easy at the beginning, but with some steep climbs. The route starts from Spoleto Cathedral and leaves the historic centre along Via delle Mura Ciclopiche. In the first section, with a short detour, we recommend a visit to the Basilica of San Salvatore, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an exceptional example of Lombard art. The route continues along secondary roads lined with oak trees, leaving the city traffic behind and entering the countryside.
The landscape changes: from the wooded mountains of Valnerina, you walk on flat ground alongside olive groves, with views of Trevi and Assisi on one side and the Martani Mountains and the town of Montefalco on the other. The climb begins to reach the villages of Eggi and Bazzano, Inferiore and Superiore, where tables and benches invite you to take a refreshing break.
Descend and walk through fields and meadows, following the signs along the edge of a large forest of Aleppo pines. Walk along a pleasant, easy path and in the distance you will see the bell tower of the church of Poreta. When you reach the paved road, be careful: the signs indicate that you should turn right to climb up to Poreta Castle, which is worth a visit for its splendid view. Alternatively, ignoring the signs, turn left downhill following the direction of the bell tower, and you will soon reach the lower part of Poreta.