The Forest of Saint Francis
The Sanctuary of La Verna is surrounded by a monumental forest of beech and fir trees covering some 200 hectares. This unique ecosystem owes its existence to the centuries-long care of the Franciscan friars, but tradition attributes its ‘founding’ to St Francis himself. It is said that, at the time of Count Orlando Cattani’s donation in 1213, Monte Penna appeared barren and wild. It was the Saint, together with his first companions, who planted the first trees, transforming the bare rock into a place of prayer and silence. For centuries, the monks managed the forest using a conservation-oriented approach, allowing the trees to reach extraordinary sizes and heights, making it today the heart of the Casentino Forests National Park.
The hikes through the sacred forest
The Route from Chiusi to the Sanctuary
The historic link between the village of Chiusi della Verna and the Sanctuary is traced by the ancient paved road. Starting from the historic centre, near the Podesteria, the path climbs towards the mountain, passing through the enchanting Bosco delle Fate. This route was the main thoroughfare for the Podestà who, like Ludovico Buonarroti, resided in the castle and frequented the sacred sites.
The Lower Loop of Monte Penna
For those wishing to immerse themselves fully in nature, the ideal starting point is the village of La Beccia. From here winds the Lower Loop, a path that runs along the foot of the rocky ridges on which the Sanctuary stands. The route starts from the hamlet of La Beccia — once an important resting place for travellers — and climbs through the dense beech forest, passing the cyclopean boulders that characterise the mountain’s geology, until it rejoins the area of the convent.
The Upper Loop and the Summit
The most scenic route is the Upper Loop, which takes hikers to the summit of Monte Penna, at an altitude of 1,289 metres. Along the path, which winds through centuries-old beech and fir trees, you may come across historical traces of the monastic past, such as the Franciscans’ ancient ice house, a structure once essential for food preservation thanks to the mountain’s harsh climate. As you continue the ascent, the route offers breathtaking views that provide a privileged vista over the Vallesanta and the entire Casentino region.