In the footsteps of the pilgrim saint
The Way of St. Francis, from La Verna to Assisi
The Way of St Francis, from La Verna to Assisi
The northern route of the Way of St Francis links Assisi, the saint’s birthplace, with the Sanctuary of La Verna. (The southern route links Assisi to Rome)
This stretch was probably the one most frequently travelled by the saint during his lifetime, given the close bond he had with both his birthplace and the great rock and sanctuary on Monte Penna; consequently, retracing those 200 km on foot literally takes us in the footsteps of his sandals.
Dotted with hermitages and places of prayer – St Francis often favoured particular rocky formations for prayer and rest – the route offers varied stages, from the rocky slopes of the eastern side of the Valtiberina to the medieval squares of Gubbio.
The Way of St. Francis, from Florence to La Verna
This stretch of the Tuscan route offers the perfect blend of the cradle of the Renaissance and the purest Franciscan spirituality. Starting from the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, the trail follows the Arno upstream and winds its way up through the ridges of the Casentino, offering a fascinating contrast between the city’s architecture and the unspoilt natural beauty of our mountain peaks.
The Way of St. Francis, from Rimini to La Verna
The Way of St Francis from Rimini winds its way through the Valmarecchia valley, retracing the historic journey that the Poverello undertook in 1213, when, in San Leo, he received Mount La Verna as a gift from Count Orlando Cattani. It is a route that carries the scent of the sea and the rocks, dotted with fortified villages and castles frozen in time.
The Way to Assisi, from Dovadola in the Romagna to Assisi
The Assisi Way is a pilgrimage route that has emerged from the merging of ancient devotional paths, linking the Romagna region of Dovadola with the City of the Seraphim. This route is distinguished by its wild and spiritual character, passing through the heart of the Casentino Forest Park before arriving at the foot of our Sanctuary.
How to reach La Verna with Public Transport
How to get to La Verna by public transport
You can reach the Sanctuary by bus from Bibbiena, Chitignano or Pieve Santo Stefano.
Not all bus routes pass by the Sanctuary. In that case, it is best to get off at La Beccia and walk up to the Sanctuary along the old cobbled road (a 15-minute walk).
Alternatively, get off at Chiusi della Verna in the village and walk up to the Sanctuary through the Bosco delle Fate (a 25-minute walk).
Timetables:
- Bibbiena-Banzena-Chiusi della Verna
- Bibbiena-Chitignano-Chiusi della Verna
- Pieve Santo Stefano-Chiusi della Verna
To get to Bibbiena, you can take the bus from Florence or the train from Arezzo.
To get to Pieve Santo Stefano, you can take the bus from San Sepolcro or, via Romagna, the bus from Cesena to Bagno di Romagna and then the bus from there to Pieve Santo Stefano
By Car? Here's where to park
Car parks at the Sanctuary of La Verna charge a fee all year round, whilst those at La Beccia charge a fee from 1 April to 31 October.
For free parking, we recommend two car parks in the village of Chiusi della Verna:
- Viale S. Francesco, 32, 52010 Chiusi della Verna AR
- Parco Martiri della Liberta, 3, 52010 Chiusi della Verna AR
Where to Sleep
At La Verna:
- Foresteria del Santuario
- Pastor Angelicus
- Albergo Letizia
- Hotel da Giovanna
- Camping Village La Verna
- Agriturismo Vezzano
- Roby’s Nido
- La Sosta del Pellegrino
- Casa Hortensia
- Ostello Granello di Senape
- Villa La Verna
In the Vallesanta:
- La Casa di Nonna Menica, a Biforco
- Affittacamere Silvia Franci, a Biforco
- Rifugio Casa Santicchio
Where to eat
At La Verna:
- Refettorio del Pellegrino
- Bar Caffetteria del Santuario
- La Melosa
In Chiusi della Verna:
- Albergo Ristorante Letizia
- Bar Hotel Ristorante da Giovanna
- Bar Hotel Ristorante Bellavista
In the Vallesanta:
- Emporio di Corezzo, Bar and Groceries
- Circolo Amici della Vallesanta, Bar and Groceries, in Biforco
- Fatucchio’s AgriPub, Pub and Restaurant, in Rimbocchi
- Il Sassone, Restaurant, in Giampereta
The Pilgrims Credentials, where to get your Stamp
- Way of St. Francis, La Verna to Assisi
- Way of St. Francis, Florence to La Verna
- Way of St. Francis, Rimini to La Verna
- Way to Assisi, Dovadola to Assisi
Signage
- Way of St. Francis, La Verna to Assisi
- Way of St. Francis, Florence to La Verna
- Way of St. Francis, Rimini to La Verna
- Way to Assisi, Dovadola to Assisi
