SUI PASSI DI FRANCESCO
On the road in Umbria with Francis of Assisi
Faqs
If you’d like to start your journey, but have a few doubts about the route, try downloading the following page containing a list of FAQs about the itineraries. These have been sent to Umbrian Tourist Offices and the answers have been provided by the people who work with the organisation.
How long is the route ?
The route in Umbria is 276km long from Citerna to Piediluco. If you continue to Rome, you must add another 80km along the Rieti valley and 100km from Rieti to Rome.
Which is the best place to start from?
The route in Umbria and Lazio is signposted all the way. Many people start from the La Verna sanctuary in Tuscany, then go through the places of St. Francis in Umbria before continuing through Lazio to Rome. Remember, though, that some pilgrims have started in Vienna .. so each pilgrim’s motivations will decide upon the route.
How long does it take ?
If you are a fit walker, used to walking several days on end, 16 days should be long enough to cover St. Francis’ Way in Umbria. If you are not an expert, or you prefer to spend a few days visiting the sanctuaries and towns linked to the memory of St. Francis, we advise you to add a few more days.
Can I bike?
The cycling route is slightly different from the main route because it has a few alternatives to make it more enjoyable . For more details on cycling itineraries visit
Is there any public transport?
All the main itineraries can be reached by public transport. The Collevecchio and Biscina itineraries can be reached by car or taxi.
Is it an easy route to follow?
The route is clearly signposted with yellow and blue arrows along the paths and through the towns. There are also yellow and blue markings on trees and walls along the way.
What is Via di Roma?
Via di Roma is a great European cultural route leading from Vienna to Rome via Venice, Ravenna, Assisi and the Valle Sacra of Rieti. The Via di Roma is given different names according the areas it goes through: St. Francis’ Way in Umbria and the Path of St. Francis in the Valle Santa of Rieti. Italians are imaginative people! However, all three routes use the same blue and yellow signposting.
Are there other routes linked to St. Francis?
Yes. The Franciscan Peace route, connecting Assisi and Gubbio, which follows the medieval path that Francis used to reach Gubbio after renouncing his worldy possessions in the square at Assisi. St. Francis’ Way retraces part of this path between Gubbio and Valfabbrica. Several other routes linking places loved by St. Francis’ have been created over the years as a sign of the Italians’ devotion for their patron saint. In Umbria, two of these are Angela Seracchioli’s “Di qui passò Francesco” (“Francis was here” ), visited by hundreds of people each year, and the Cammino di Assisi (the Path of Assisi). St.Francis visited many towns in Umbria during his unceasing journeys and pilgrimages, so in Umbria there is evidence of his presence almost everywhere.
What is St. Francis’ Way?
Many define the Way as a “journey of the spirit” in the steps of St. Francis. The route is along many paths, dirt and sealed roads that link the towns, villages and sanctuaries where the Saint lived and revealed his message of love. The path does not have a philological order, as most of the medieval roads have been substituted by modern highways, but it attempts to recreate the sensations of the “true pilgrim” by choosing the quietest alternatives that favour real contact with nature.
Is St. Francis’ Way a historical route?
In theAnnales stadenses auctore Alberto, written between 1240 and 1256, a description of the most important pilgrimage routes in medieval Italy is given, and this includes an indication of how to reach Rome via Perugia, Assisi, Foligno and Rieti, along the ancient Flaminian Way.
In his famous Iter de Londinio in Terram Sanctam, written in 1253, Matthew Paris mentions that many pilgrims on their way to Rome decided to take the alternative Umbrian route to reach Assisi and Santa Maria degli Angeli. But it can be said that the traces of these ancient pilgrim routes through Umbria were lost during the last century. These routes are only partly traced by the St. Francis’ Way, but an attempt is made to avoid sealed roads and encourage pilgrims to feel closer to Francis by sharing the medieval towns and villages and the natural surroundings of Umbria, his native land.
Is it true that St. Francis’ Way is different from the Santiago pilgrimage route?
The Santiago route goes through long stretches of the rolling Spanish mesetas and has been followed by thousands of pilgrims for hundreds of years. St.Francis’ Way winds through the Umbrian valleys and hills, which means that some parts are steep and require physical effort, although they can be tackled by all with the “true joyfulness” of St. Francis. The route is a not a mountain trekking route, but it is advisable to do some physical preparation a month before starting.
Are there long stretches of sealed road?
Sealed road has been reduced to a minimum, but the stretch between Perugia and Assisi is mainly sealed.
Where can I stay?
Umbria is a land of pilgrimages and hospitality, so you will find all sorts of different accommodation along the way that satisfies your personal needs and requirements.
Are there any guidebooks and reading material?
You can download various kinds of information from this site to accompany your journey in Umbria. Amongst other available guidebooks “Di qui passò Francesco” , written by di Angela Maria Seracchioli and published by Terre di Mezzo, is one of the first books promoting the Franciscan routes in Umbria and the Rieti valley.
Are there any travel guides?
It is always a good idea to have a travel guide accompany you. A full list of travel guides is available on the official
Can I bring my dog ?
Of course! Inform yourself about accommodation where man’s best friend is welcome. All we ask is that you respect a few little rules along the way.
Sui passi di Francesco
Regione Umbria - Servizio Turismo, Via M. Angeloni, 61 – 06124 Perugia
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