Step-By-Step: Stage 6

Strong Recommendation: Use the official GPX files in addition to these instructions to not miss any turns. As signs are sparse, it can be easy to miss one.

Official Route: Pilgrims will walk by Rifugio Casa Santicchio.

1. From Badia Prataglia’s Romanesque church, Santa Maria Assunta, take the trail 073.
2. Descend until reaching the altitude of 770 meters while crossing the Archiano stream, then climb up to the Poggio della Cesta at an elevation of 1100m.
3. Follow the ridge, more or less at the same elevation, until you reach Quattro vie, an irregular clearing approximately 3.5 km from Badia Prataglia.
4. Continue for another kilometer until you reach the small village of Frassineta (at 880m).
5. Take path 070, which is north of the church in Frassineta, towards Rimbocchi.
6. Climb up to an elevation of 975m, then descend to 700m at Poggio alla Forca (total distance of approximately 1.5 km).
7. Follow the signs to turn off towards the nearby Rifugio Casa Santicchio.
8. Descend steeply for another kilometer and a half until you reach Rimbocchi (at 540m).
9. Follow the paved road towards La Verna from Rimbocchi.
10. Less than 2 kilometers later, turn right onto the dirt road – known as a carrareccia or ‘wagon road’ – toward Podere Casalino Farmstay (at km 1.5).
11. Cross the Corsalone stream on a recent viaduct and head toward Podere Casalino (at 765m) on path 54, which meanders pleasantly through the steep walls of the surrounding hills.
12. From the clearing of Podere Casalino, the trail continues uphill, almost like a rudimentary staircase. After a kilometer and a half, you will reach an altitude of about 1000 meters at the intersection with trail 53.
13. Take path 53, which leads to Sasso Cavallino below La Verna, and guides the route through the tangle of boulders that have fallen from Mount Penna.
14. From Sasso Cavallino, the trail 53 climbs up and ends at the road of Beccia. From there, with a final climb, you will reach the Sanctuary.

Alternative Routes

Rimbocchi

The official route walks pilgrims by Rifugio Casa Santicchio. Some guidebooks to go downhill directly into Rimbocchi. This route may save some energy as you won’t be hiking up. Consult other guidebooks for this route.

Biforco

Some guidebooks guide pilgrims to accommodations in Biforco to split up this stage. Consult other guidebooks for this route.

Overnight at Rifugio Casa Santicchio

This rifugio is a gem of the Francesco. Standing high and remote, Rifugio Casa Santicchio lets pilgrims rest in seclusion and peace. The restored farmhouse features comfortable rooms, and most of all, quiet. Stopping overnight makes the remaining kilometers to La Verna much more relaxed, and gives pilgrims ease to arrive at the sanctuary before the procession starts.

About the Sanctuary of La Verna

La Verna is one of the most significant centers for Franciscan spirituality, and is visited by pilgrims and tourists alike. One of the highlights of the sanctuary is the Chapel of the Stigmata, which is built on the spot where St Francis is said to have received the wounds of Christ. La Verna is also renowned for its natural beauty.

Pilgrims can join twice daily the procession of Friars from Santa Maria church to the Chapel of the Stigmata. Pilgrims on foot can most easily attend the 15:00 procession. Pilgrims who wish to visit the cafe or stay overnight can use this map of the monastery to find the check-in.

Services in La Verna

• Cafe
• Bookstore
• Lodging

Services in Chiusi della Verna

La Verna Sanctuary sits 2 km from the village Chiusi della Verna.

• Pharmacy (Google Maps)
• Supermarket (Google Maps)
• Bus Stop

What’s Next: Umbria & Assisi

From La Verna, pilgrims pass into the Umbria region on their way to Assisi. See information for stages after La Verna.

Some pilgrims may choose to return to Florence. See our guide to return to Florence from La Verna.