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Discover Central Italy's enchanting allure, where lush landscapes meet rich history, and picturesque towns offer a captivating journey for curious travelers.
Starting the trail
Embark on Stage 1 from the majestic Santa Croce in Florence, traversing the countryside to Pontassieve. Experience iconic landmarks like the Duomo and Ponte Mediceo, all while basking in Tuscany’s natural beauty.
Explore Via di Francesco’s starting point
Discover Florence’s iconic Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral
Discover the historic Ponte Mediceo on your pilgrimage along the Via di Francesco, and marvel at the beautiful Tuscan landscape surrounding this iconic bridge.
Into the mountains
As you venture from Pontassieve to Consuma on Stage 2, explore historic gems like Castello di Ferrano and Chiesa di Santa Maria a Ferrano, and delight in the tranquility of Chiesa di San Domenico and the enchanting Vallombrosa Forest.
Experience Castello di Ferrano: a historic gem along Via di Francesco with exclusive stays, local delicacies, and enchanting grounds.
Experience spiritual growth and artistic inspiration at Santa Maria a Ferrano
Discover ancient Abbey and Italy’s tallest tree in Vallombrosa Forest.
A tranquil stop along Via di Francesco – picturesque Tuscan church and nearby pilgrim hostel.
Explore medieval Stia
Stage 3 takes you from Consuma to Stia, visiting quaint mountain churches and Romanesque masterpieces. Discover Castel Castagnaio, Molin di Bucchio, and Porciano Castle, culminating in the inspiring Fresco of St. Francis.
Small mountain church featuring relic of St James, patron saint of the Camino de Santiago
Explore ancient foundations and castle ruins at Castel Castagnaio, a captivating stop on the Via di Francesco.
Uncover the rich history of Chiesa di Santa Maria in Pietrafitta, an 11th-century church with deep ties to the Guidi counts.
Be inspired by the stunning fresco of St. Francis in Stia, capturing his love for nature and his eco-spirituality.
Witness Romanesque beauty, a treasure trove of centuries-old art on Via di Francesco.
Step into the world of Tuscan wool production and Panno Casentino at Stia’s Museo dell’Arte della Lana.
Explore the historic Palagio Fiorentino, once a Guidi castle! Explore its Contemporary Art Collection on your Via di Francesco journey.
Visit Stia’s modern chapel on your pilgrimage, and witness the touching iron tribute to St. Francis, “Fratello Sole.”
Step into history at Porciano Castle, Dante Alighieri’s 14th-century sanctuary on the Via di Francesco pilgrimage trail.
Discover the charm of Molin di Bucchio, a centuries-old mill, trout farm, and Ecomuseo del Casentino site.
Captivating Romanesque church perfect for pilgrims on the Via di Francesco
Walk in Dante’s footsteps at Romena Castle, a historic highlight on the Via di Francesco trail.
Enter the National Forest
Journey through Stage 4 from Stia to Camaldoli, immersing yourself in the serene Casentinesi National Park, marveling at the ancient Miraglia Chestnut tree, and seeking solace in the spiritual haven of Camaldoli Hermitage and Monastery.
As a sanctuary for endangered species, it plays a vital role in conservation efforts.
Marvel at the Miraglia Chestnut tree, a 400-year-old natural wonder in the heart of Casentinesi Forest National Park
It’s not just a forest, but an open-air cathedral for contemplation and spiritual growth.
Explore the captivating Camaldoli Monastery, a historic gem on the Via di Francesco, surrounded by lush forests.
See the propagation of ancient fruit varieties, which the nursery cultivates for distribution among local agricultural businesses.
Experience tranquility at the historic Camaldoli Hermitage, surrounded by Casentino Forests National Park’s natural beauty.
Immerse in monastic traditions and herbal expertise at Camaldoli’s Ancient Pharmacy on your pilgrimage.
This historic man-made lake, created in the 15th century, now flourishes with a diverse range of species.
As a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s home to over 800 species of fungi and various animal species.
Relaxing Stage
Stage 5 leads you from Camaldoli to Badia Prataglia, where the Museo Forestale e Arboreto Carlo Siemoni showcases centuries-old trees and exotic species, enhancing your appreciation for nature’s wonders along the Via di Francesco.
Explore the 8th-century Romanesque crypt in Badia Prataglia.
Renowned for its pure, fresh waters, the Archiano stream supports the lushness of Badia Prataglia. The waterfall is nearby the center of town.
Witness the grandeur of Italy’s oldest Arboretum, a living testament to centuries-old trees & exotic species, right off the Via di Francesco.
The cave is steeped in local folklore, inviting curiosity and wonder from all who visit.
Sacred Mountain Retreat
Complete your pilgrimage on Stage 6 from Badia Prataglia to La Verna, visiting sacred sites like Sasso Spicco, Bosco delle Fate, and Cappella degli Uccelli, while marveling at the majestic Italy’s tallest native tree, Abete bianco.
Romanesque Church of St. Egidio
Walk the sacred forest trail on the Via di Francesco pilgrimage.
Marvel at Italy’s tallest native tree, a 51.85m white fir, on your Via di Francesco pilgrimage in La Verna.
Discover the spiritual allure of Sasso Spicco, St. Francis’ sacred meditation site, and ascend Mount Penna on your pilgrimage.
Discover the story behind the Cappella degli Uccelli
Mountain precipice where St Francis turned a notorious brigand into a man of peace
Marvel at the breathtaking art and architecture of Chiesa Maggiore della Verna. Daily procession at 15:00.
Explore the spiritual heart of Santuario della Verna
See the foundational chapel built by St Francis and his followers.
Other Attractions
See attractions outside the official route.
Explore the historical Sanctuary ruins at Madonna dei Fossi, where St. Francis once performed a miraculous act.
Explore Pomino: Taste award-winning wines, surrounded by majestic Florentine mountains on your Via di Francesco journey.
Step into the serenity of Vallombrosa Monastery and nature reserve, the perfect spiritual stop on the Via di Francesco journey.
Marvel at centuries-old frescoes and breathtaking Romanesque architecture in Montemignaio’s Santa Maria Assunta Church.
A medieval gem nestled in the Tuscan hills. Immerse yourself in authentic history and breathtaking views.
Witness Andrea della Robbia’s terracottas at the enchanting Santa Maria delle Grazie on the Via di Francesco.
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An opportunity for pilgrims, seekers, and adventurers to take an inward journey alongside the spirit of St Francis.
A Toscana, non-religious non-profit to share the discovery and preservation of Franciscan tradition, Nature, and Art.
Disclosure: We may receive affiliate compensation for some of the links on this site if you decide to purchase linked items, helping us to maintain our trails and provide services to our community of pilgrims. Read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.
By entering your email, you get the Quick Start emails, free Pilgrim Essentials Kit, and more resources, and agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
An opportunity for pilgrims, seekers, and adventurers to take an inward journey alongside the spirit of St Francis.
A Toscana, non-religious non-profit to share the discovery and preservation of Franciscan tradition, Nature, and Art.
Disclosure: We may receive affiliate compensation for some of the links on this site if you decide to purchase linked items, helping us to maintain our trails and provide services to our community of pilgrims. Read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.
