Francis of Assisi is one of the most revered figures in Christianity. His radically simple life left a profound mark on European religious history and continues to be a source of inspiration for millions of people around the world. Born into a wealthy family, Francis renounced his privileges and lived as a beggar, echoing the poverty of Jesus of Nazareth. Throughout his life, he walked many roads that have now become pilgrim routes as part of his spiritual and human legacy.
Some of the most emblematic itineraries linked to the life of Francis of Assisi are in his native Umbria, but others venture into other Italian regions. These itineraries explore Francis’ own natural and spiritual landscape, transforming the journey into a path of inner growth.
The road from La Verna to Assisi: where Francis received the stigmata.
The Sanctuary of La Verna, in the Tuscan mountains, is one of the most venerated places in the Franciscan tradition. According to medieval hagiography, it was here in 1224, during an intense spiritual retreat, that Francis received the stigmata –the marks of Christ’s Passion. This event is considered theologically as a visible and tangible testimony of Francis’ mystical stature.
The road from La Verna to Assisi, about 200 kilometers long, follows in Francis’ footsteps through quiet woods and majestic mountains. This natural setting explains his deep love for nature, which marked his entire life. Along the way, pilgrims can get a taste of Francis’ desire for peace, while passing through landscapes of great beauty that inspire respect for creation.
The journey ends in Assisi, the birthplace and final resting place of Francis. Assisi remains a main pilgrimage destination, and a spiritual powerhouse for Christians and non-Christians alike.
Via Amerina – Cammino della Luce: a historical road
The Cammino della Luce follows the historic Via Amerina, an ancient Roman imperial road. Francis walked it in 1209 on his return from Rome, after Pope Innocent III had approved his Rule. This moment was a decisive milestone in the expansion of the Franciscan Order. The Via Amerina was a vital corridor in Roman and medieval times, and walking along it today is a way to relive Francis’s own itinerary –and that of his early followers.
One of the best known episodes on this route is the miracle of the wolf of Lugnano, where it is said that Francis managed to rescue a child from the clutches of a wolf that had been terrorizing the local population. Franciscan hagiography also tells of the miracle of the Pantanelli Oak: an oak tree planted by Francis became a minor pilgrimage destination after a miracle prevented one of its branches from being cut.
The Cammino Francescano della Valle Teverina e dei Monti Amerini is a scenic and spiritual itinerary that allows pilgrims to get to know the history, miracles, and teachings of St Francis, while waking the landscapes he knew and travelled during his lifetime.
The Sacred Valley of Rieti: where Francis built the first crib
The Sacred Valley of Rieti, north of Rome, was one of Francis’ long retreats. There are four important Franciscan sanctuaries in the area: Greccio, La Foresta, Poggio Bustone and Fonte Colombo, each associated with key moments in his spiritual life. The itinerary of this section coincides with that of another great Italian saint of the 6th century, St Benedict of Nursia.
One of the most memorable events in Francis’ life took place in Greccio. Here, in 1223, he created the first living nativity scene in history. Francis’ clear intention was to make the story of Jesus’ birth accessible to ordinary people in a simple, straightforward way. This tradition continues today throughout the world – especially at Christmas time.
Another main Franciscan sanctuary in the Sacred Valley is La Foresta. According to tradition, this is where Francis wrote his famous Canticle of the Creatures. This poem is one of the most famous works of Christian spiritual literature. The Canticle summarizes the Franciscan worldview in which all beings (from the sun and moon to animals and plants) are considered brothers and sisters.
For pilgrims, visiting these sanctuaries offers the chance to understand the rich spiritual heritage of Francis in the very same environment where this tradition was born –the Sacred Valley of Rieti is truly a peaceful, contemplative oasis.
The places of St Francis in Rome: the recognition of the Church.
Although Francis is almost synonymous with Assisi and Umbria, Rome played a decisive role in his life and in the expansion of his Order. In 1209, Francis travelled to Rome to get the approval of Pope Innocent III. This meeting, which took place in the Basilica of St John Lateran, marked the official recognition of the Franciscan Order. This milestone allowed Francis’ message to spread throughout Europe, attracting numerous followers who wished to imitate his radically simple lifestyle.
Another important site in Rome is the Church of St Francis a Ripa, located in the Trastevere district. This church was the place where Francis stayed during his visits to the city. Even today, the cell where he slept remains a pilgrimage site. Here, Francis held on to his lifestyle, even while dealing with major ecclesiastical authorities. The Church of St. Francis in Ripa is thus a testimony of how Francis’ reform was accepted and promoted by the ecclesiastical authorities of the time.
The pilgrimages of St Francis outside Italy
Although St Francis is best known for his relationship with Assisi and other regions of Italy, he was also a tireless pilgrim beyond the borders of his country. One of his most important journeys took him to Santiago de Compostela, the famous pilgrimage destination in northern Spain. This route, which attracted pilgrims from all over Europe, drew Francis into a tradition that echoed his own spiritual quest.
In 1219, Francis went to the Holy Land during the Fifth Crusade. His aim was not to engage in warfare, but to seek a peaceful encounter with Muslims and to promote mutual understanding. Francis had a famous meeting with Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil, a moment of dialogue and respect, radically different from other encounters between Christian and Muslims in his day and age. This experience reaffirmed his commitment to peace and understanding between different cultures and religions.
Closing remarks
The pilgrimages associated with St Francis of Assisi are spiritual itineraries that invite travelers to think through the legacy of a man that still influences contemporary life. From the mountains of La Verna to the sanctuaries of the Sacred Valley of Rieti, from the streets of Rome to the distant lands of Compostela and the Holy Land, Francis left an indelible mark.
His radical message of respect for creation and love for all creatures continues to inspire those seeking a simpler life committed to peace. We invite you to walk these paths and discover the spiritual depth that St Francis of Assisi continues to offer to those who seek a life of contemplation and service.