Welcome to I Cammini di Francesco in Casentino, a non-profit association dedicated to promoting the cultural, spiritual, and natural heritage of the Via di Francesco pilgrimage from Florence to La Verna. Founded in 2018, our mission is to foster social solidarity and encourage personal growth through the timeless tradition of pilgrimage, walking in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi.

As an organization, we are committed to preserving the Franciscan tradition in the Alto Casentino region and supporting sustainable tourism by raising awareness and collaborating on projects in partnership with the Franciscan Family. Our efforts not only focus on supporting pilgrims but also on protecting and promoting the rich culture, art, and environment of the region.

We believe in the values of slow tourism, connection to nature, spiritual and emotional well-being, and the preservation of cultural and historical heritage. Through our work, we aim to facilitate a deeper connection to the territory, nature, and history for all pilgrims, and to enhance their spiritual and emotional well-being through walking and exploration.

Our duties include providing guidance and information to pilgrims, promoting the Via di Francesco as a tourism destination, and collaborating with other entities to develop projects and initiatives related to the pilgrimage and Franciscan culture. We also work to maintain the trails, ensuring their preservation for future generations of pilgrims.

As part of the broader promotion of walking routes and slow tourism in Tuscany, I Cammini di Francesco in Casentino is an open community of passionate individuals, public and private entities, associations, foundations, and committees who share our goals and values.

Join us on this remarkable journey as we walk the path of St. Francis, experiencing the beauty of Tuscany, the warmth of its people, and the transformative power of pilgrimage. Discover our rich history, spiritual insights, and the breathtaking landscapes that await you on the Via di Francesco.

Welcome to I Cammini di Francesco in Casentino, where every step is a journey towards self-discovery and connection.

Mission:

• To promote social solidarity and civil, cultural, and spiritual development, focusing on the Via di Francesco pilgrimage from Florence to La Verna.
• To support and guide pilgrims along the Via di Francesco.
• To promote awareness and appreciation of the natural and cultural heritage of the region.
• To support and promote slow tourism and walking as a lifestyle.
• To encourage physical and emotional well-being through pilgrimage and contact with nature.

Purpose:

• Preserve and promote the Franciscan tradition in the Alto Casentino region.
• Protect and promote culture and art in the region.
• Foster sustainable tourism through awareness campaigns and projects.
• Coordinate planning efforts for the Cammini di Francesco in Tuscany.
• Support and coordinate projects related to the Cammini di Francesco in collaboration with the Franciscan Family.
• To facilitate a deeper connection to the territory, nature, and history for pilgrims.
• To enhance spiritual and emotional well-being through walking and exploration.
• To facilitate the spiritual journey of pilgrims and ensure the preservation and maintenance of the route.

Duties:

• Organize and collaborate with public and private entities, associations, foundations, and committees that share the organization’s goals.
• Coordinate planning efforts for the Cammini di Francesco in Tuscany.
• Develop projects and initiatives related to the pilgrimage and Franciscan culture.
• Protect and promote the natural environment and physical well-being of pilgrims.
• Encourage physical and emotional well-being among pilgrims.
• Provide information and guidance for pilgrims.
• Promote the Via di Francesco as a tourism destination.
• Collaborate on guidebooks and information materials related to the journey.
• Maintain the trails, including signage along the route, especially in mountainous and forested areas.
• Provide information on the hospitality network and various stages of the journey.

Values and Beliefs:

• Emphasis on the ideals of lightness, transformation (or conversion), and joy.
• Encourages pilgrims to be more environmentally conscious and focus on “integral progress.”
• The organization is non-partisan and non-profit; adheres to principles of transparency, accountability, and democracy in its operations.
• Members contribute their time and skills voluntarily, without seeking personal profit.
• Slow tourism.
• Connection to nature.
• Spiritual and emotional well-being.
• Cultural and historical preservation.
• Embrace the spirit of generosity and solidarity, reflecting the values of St. Francis of Assisi.
• Promote spiritual growth and reflection through the pilgrimage experience.
• Preserve the cultural heritage and history associated with the Via di Francesco.

About the Association:

• Governed by an assembly of members, a board of directors, and a president.
• Membership is open to public and private entities, associations, foundations, committees, and individuals who share the association’s goals and accept its statute.
• All members have the right to be informed about the association’s activities and have voting rights in the assembly.
• The organization is part of the broader promotion of walking routes and slow tourism in Tuscany, with a total of 1,369 km and 72 stages of various walking paths.

About the Via di Francesco:

• The Via di Francesco consists of more than 537 km, 7 routes, and 28 stages, touching significant places in the life of St. Francis.
• The routes pass through various landscapes, from small medieval villages to large cities, from the Apennines to gentle hills, from ancient civilizations to agricultural landscapes.
• The Via di Francesco attracts thousands of pilgrims from around the world each year.
• The pilgrimage offers a chance to experience nature and spirituality in places like the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, Eremo di Camaldoli, and La Verna.
• The journey offers an opportunity to experience genuine Tuscany and its small villages, with the warmth and hospitality typical of mountain communities.
• The Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, a national park established in 1993, is an important part of the journey’s landscape.

Creation and Membership:

• The organization was created in 2018.
• Members consist of individuals, public and private entities, associations, foundations, and committees who share the association’s goals and accept its statute.

Address:

Via di Francesco in Casentino, c/o Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Via Romana, 7, 52010 Badia Prataglia, Arezzo, Italy.

Contact Information:

Email: veraviadifrancesco@gmail.com

Social Media:

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/IcamminidiFrancescoinCasentino