After many centuries, the steps of St. Francis of Assisi continue to fascinate and attract faithful from all over the world.
Do you want to discover the suggestive route in detail?
Francesco’s north way leaves from the Sanctuary of La Verna and leads up to Assisi.
It and includes 8 stages.
The central part of this journey includes three interesting stages:
1) the towns of Città di Castello;
2) Gubbio;
3) the medieval village of Pietralunga.
Un’esperienza mistica?
Yes, but not only!
Besides being an inner spiritual itinerary, this itinerary offers also a cultural and naturalistic experience.
In fact, charming villages will be the protagonists, surprising views, rural realities and welcoming people that will make this life experience unforgettable.
From Città di Castello to Gubbio passing through Pietralunga are possible alternative routes to be traveled on foot by bike or on horseback.
Choose the best way to get to know the beautiful Umbria!
Information on Francesco’s way
Città di Castello – Pietralunga
Technical Informations:
- 31 km length.
- difficulty: medium;
- white/asphalt-road
- signs: Tau yellow and yellow and blue horizontal and vertical street signals.
- Water sources are all along the route.
Tips:
- You should consider a length for about 31 km, taking advantage of the stopovers along the way(Candeggio, Pieve de Saddi, Caigisti).
Itinerary:
After about 6 Km from Città di Castello you arrive at the Trattoria il Sasso where you can buy food and water for your journey.
From here you will start walking uphill until you reach Pieve de ‘ Saddi.
Definitely worth a visit.
Curiosity:
The Church there is worth visiting because it was the first Christianization place of the Upper Tiber Valley.
he messenger of the new Christian doctrine was a Roman legionary Crescenziano.
According to the sacred legend he was persecuted and killed during the reign of the Emperor Diocletian and was buried in Pieve de ‘ Saddi.
Over the ruins of a pagan temple a Church was built to house the remains of the martyr, San Crescenziano.
Onother important shrine La Madonna dei Rimedi (Our Lady of remedies), is located along the path that leads from Pietralunga to the next stop Gubbio.
According to the tradition, Saint Francis stayed there during his journeys from Assisi to La Verna.
Now let’s continue.
From Pieve de’ Saddi the path goes alternatively uphill and downhill along cultivated fields and across small valleys.
There are several areas to have a rest and be prepared to face the last uphill stretch that will take you to Pietralunga, a small medieval Umbrian village.
Information on Francesco’s way
Pietralunga – Gubbio
Technical Informations:
- 26,2 km length.
- difficulty: medium;
- white/asphalt-road
- signs: Tau yellow and yellow and blue horizontal and vertical street signals.
- Water sources are all along the route.
Through pine forests and meadows heading for Gubbio you will walk on paved road in open countryside and with limited traffic.
From there you will see the plain of Gubbio down below. Further down you will reach Loreto where you will be again on paved road.
Near Semonte you will see the source of the Pilgrim.
Finally you will arrive at Gubbio and the itinerary will end in front of the statue of St. Francis and the Wolf in the Church of San Francesco.