The Way of St Francis in Italy, also known as the Via di Francesco or the Cammino di Francesco, links cherished sites that bear witness to the life and teachings of St. Francis of Assisi from Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. Beginning at the Sanctuary of La Verna, the Way of St. Francis continues nearly 200 km to the Basilica of St Francis of Assisi, the final resting place of Italy’s Patron Saint.

From Assisi, pilgrims may continue walking in the footsteps of St. Francis, with the waymarked route towards Rome extending 300-plus kilometers further to Vatican City.

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

The Patron Saint of Italy, St. Francis is one of the most venerated figures in Christendom. Beloved worldwide for his piety and his embracement of poverty, St. Francis surrendered his family’s wealth, began pilgrimage, undertook acts of servitude, and embarked on a ministry based upon sacrifice, charity, and devotion to the Gospels. St. Francis extended his ministry to animals, preaching to birds and praying for the needs of all of God’s creations.

PILGRIM PASSPORT AND TESTIMONIUM

A pilgrim passport – called the Credential – is available for pilgrims marking their route to Assisi. It is available by advance request (3 weeks for Italians, 2+ months for those outside Italy). A donation is suggested to cover the cost of postage.

Provided pilgrims walk at least 75km to arrive in Assisi, a Testimonium is

PILGRIM ROUTES TO ASSISI

* Click to view timely updates on the pilgrimage routes *

The Northern Way – 189.2 km

The traditional route of pilgrimage to Assisi, the Northern Way begins at the Sanctuary of La Verna, the Way of St. Francis continues nearly 200 km to the Basilica of St Francis of Assisi, the final resting place of Italy’s Patron Saint. Along the way, the path crosses the National Park of the Casentinesi Forests, the upper Tiber Valley in Umbria, Gubbio (the site of St. Francis’ first pilgrims), and Valfabbrica before arriving in Assisi. While broken into eight official stages, the walk may be broken into shorter sections to accommodate all walkers and provide additional time to enjoy the way.

STAGES: 8+

DIFFICULTY: EASY-MODERATE

* Indicates suggestion to reduce stage length

The Southern Way – 189.2 km

The Southern Way may be walked in either direction: as a continuation of the Northern Way onwards to Rome, or – if one chooses – as a pilgrimage from Rome along the Via di Roma. The route covers at least 14 walked stages spanning 250km through the towns of Poreta, Spoleto, Arrone, Rieti, and Monte Sacro. Pilgrims may wish to consider reviewing particularly challenging stages (marked below) and may be able to combine and/or separate specific stages to better suit their walking.

STAGES: 14+

DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

* Indicates suggestion to reduce stage length

** Indicates challenging stage

Kevin Donahue

Husband. Father. Backpacker. Pilgrim. Author.

After years of section hiking the Florida Trail and Appalachian Trail, I set out in 2019 to complete the Camino de Santiago through Portugal and Spain. The experience changed the direction of my life and I’ve been walking in pilgrimage ever since. My recent journeys include the California Mission Walk and England’s Pilgrims’ Way from London to Canterbury. I’m currently walking sections of the Via Francigena through Europe to Rome.

Follow me on social media or walk virtually alongside me on the Sacred Steps Podcast and in my upcoming book, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal.