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The Via di Francesco is an itinerary that crosses Umbria from north to south and continues towards the Valle Santa di Rieti, until it reaches the tomb of the Apostle Peter in Rome. The journey leads pilgrims and travelers to places linked to the fundamental episodes of the life of the Poverello of Assisi. The heart of the street is Assisi, birthplace of Francis, which evokes in every corner the human and spiritual history of the Saint, admirably depicted by Giotto inside the Basilica, which houses the remains of the Patron Saint of Italy. The route starts from the panoramic square of the Quadrant of the Santuario de La Verna in Tuscany, for those who follow the Via del Nord, or from the Sanctuary of Greccio in Lazio, for those who follow the Via del Sud. The Via di Francesco, entirely passable on foot or by bicycle, is not a mountain route, however the presence of climbs and descents makes it appropriate to have adequate physical preparation.

The Pilgrimage is a relevant moment in religious experience. The Christian one, which has its roots in Greco-Roman culture and in the biblical tradition, is based on the aspiration of every pilgrim to really put his own steps in the footsteps of Jesus. And so, since late antiquity, they have been defined as true and their own pilgrimage routes. Some of these paths, consecrated by a thousand-year tradition, are attested by a copious odeporic production and by the presence of historical and artistic vestiges, connectable with the flow of travelers directed to the great destinations of Christianity. The Via di Francesco does not belong to these ancient itineraries, but is inspired by them. It is a "new" journey, but it constitutes an authentic journey of the spirit that meets the desire of man to search the depth of himself for the meaning of his own existence.

The Way of Francis is a circular path that can start from anywhere and return to end where it started. It is not only a journey that leads from one place to another, but it is above all the prototype of every pilgrimage, of the journey of those who begin to question themselves by entering their own self, pilgrim towards that fullness of life and human happiness that everyone seeks. For this reason the Via di Francesco is a place of great interreligious relevance. On the steps of the Poverello of Assisi, who dialogued with everyone, even with the sultan al-Malik al-Kamil, and who addressed a word of hope and peace to all, it is possible to meet men and women, young people and adults, believers and non-believers.

The St Francis’ Way represents the life-path of the saint; a pilgrimage that replicates the Franciscan experience through his land and places. On request, ‘Credentials’ are given which, besides attesting the actual fulfilment of the pilgrimage, form a travel document to distinguish pilgrims from other travellers. The document is issued by the religious authorities and those who intend to approach the pilgrimage, on foot, by bicycle or on horseback, are asked to undertake the sense and spirit of the journey.

Direct visit
Class activities (pre and post visit).
Fact sheets on the figure of Francis of Assisi as an ante litteram model of interreligious dialogue.
Activity of verification of the acquired knowledge and skills