The journey of Francis

The paths are an excellent experience because they allow you to grasp both the naturalistic aspect of the place and the spiritual one. The Walk of Francis in the Rieti valley allows you to retrace the stages of St. Francis of Assisi and touching these stages of the Holy Valley in the province of Rieti you can visit four sanctuaries founded by the saint himself.

Walking is the ideal way to feel in the heart and in the mind the same emotions that the Saint of Assisi felt during his journey to consolidate the faith in the territory. The itinerary in the province of Rieti is only part of a larger itinerary that starts in Rome, crosses the Valle Santa, leads to Assisi, and, for the more adventurous, goes further north to La Verna.

This itinerary is also very beautiful because it allows you to admire the local landscape and enjoy suggestive panoramas; it is also ideal for meeting new people and getting to know unknown places by being in direct contact with the territory, where ancient customs and traditions interpenetrate with the spiritual and Christian theme and with rural life.

The Valle Santa and San Francesco

Francis of Assisi was both a religious and a famous poet who founded the order that took his name, the Franciscans. He is also the patron saint of Italy, along with St. Catherine of Siena. He is particularly known as an ascetic and for having stripped himself of all possessions, choosing a simple and minimalist life in which the body is in faithful harmony with the spirit.

St. Francis spent much of his life in the Rieti Valley, which is why it is known as the Santa Valley. His first visit to the valley was probably around 1209, but he also stayed there in 1223, 1225, and 1226. During these stays important events of Christianity and the religious order he founded took place, which is why there are many in undertake pilgrimages along the Camino de Francesco.

In total, the Way is 80 km long and consists of 8 stages: the roads are full of signs that help travelers find their way along the route, and there is a special, very recognizable wooden sign. The main stops are the Abbey of San Pastore and the beech wood of San Francesco in Rivodutri. Along the way, you will encounter the nature of the Piana Retina and cross the nature reserve of the Long and Ripasottile Lakes. The itinerary can also be done by bicycle and it is possible to find the special bicycle path at the Conca Retina. Completing this itinerary is a very rich experience, both in terms of travel and in terms of spiritual research and peace of mind.