The St. Francis Way is not a pilgrimage route in the traditional sense of the term. Until relatively recently, there were no pilgrims retracing the footsteps of St. Francis. Instead, this trail connects the places that shaped his life and spiritual journey.

Francis of Assisi, renowned for his humble and simple way of life, was nonetheless one of the most revolutionary figures in the history of Christianity. At a time when the Church of Rome stood at the center of vast temporal power—often associated with wealth, corruption, and political intrigue—Francis preached radical poverty and fraternal love for all living creatures. His message, still deeply relevant today, is widely believed to have inspired the choice of name by Pope Francis.

In 2026, the world marks the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, making this journey particularly meaningful: a unique opportunity to walk through the landscapes that witnessed his life, his teachings, and his enduring legacy.

Our journey begins in Florence, following the ancient Via Ghibellina, a medieval route that crosses the Apennines and leads to the Sanctuary of La Verna—the sacred place where St. Francis is believed to have received the Stigmata, one of the most profound moments of his life.

From La Verna, the route continues south toward Assisi, where St. Francis was born and later buried. Along the way, you will encounter secluded hermitages, small monasteries, and historic abbeys—places where Francis once stayed during his travels. You will also pass through legendary locations such as Gubbio, where tradition tells of Francis taming a ferocious wolf.

The journey then continues from Assisi to Rome, the seat of the Papacy. This southern section follows the path that symbolizes Francis’ relationship with the institutional Church, leading pilgrims and walkers alike toward the Eternal City. Connecting Assisi and Rome gives the route a powerful narrative arc: from Francis’ humble origins to the heart of Christian authority.

By reversing the traditional itinerary, we allow the entire route to be walked continuously, from Florence all the way to Rome, creating a coherent and deeply immersive experience.

Beyond its spiritual significance, the St. Francis Way unfolds through some of the most beautiful landscapes of Central Italy: rolling hills, dense forests, medieval villages, and extraordinary architectural masterpieces. Remote hermitages hidden in nature and magnificent abbeys stand as silent witnesses to centuries of faith and history.

In short, this is a journey where nature, art, history, and spirituality come together—an experience that invites reflection, discovery, and a deeper connection with both the landscape and oneself.