From Germany to Rome by foot
The Via Romea Germanica is one of the great historical corridors of Christianity, following the route described by Abbot Albert of Stade in 1236 to link Northern Europe with Rome. As it crosses the Apennines, the route strategically passes through Chiusi della Verna, a key junction where the path of European pilgrims merges with the legacy of St Francis’s journeys. This Tuscan section of the route is characterised by a challenging elevation profile that winds through the forests of the Casentino National Park, leading walkers directly to the foot of the cliff where the Sanctuary stands.
Unlike other purely devotional routes, the Via Romea retains a strong identity as an international link, connecting the Savio Valley to the Casentino region via the Alpe di Serra Pass. For those passing through Chiusi della Verna, the route offers tangible evidence of medieval road networks, comprising ancient cobbled paths and historic hostels that provided refreshment for those tackling the pass. The route is now part of the network of major European walking trails and is technically structured to be covered in stages linking the villages of the valley with Mount Penna, ensuring consistent signposting and facilities dedicated to welcoming pilgrims.
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
To get the credentials consult the official website.
Segnaletica
The Via Romea is marked by the following plastic signs:
