The Way of Saint Francis – The Northern Path from La Verna to Assisi

Where the journey truly begins

There's a place where silence isn't empty, but a presence. It's the Sanctuary of La Verna, nestled in the ancient forests of Casentino. Here, in 1224, Saint Francis of Assisi received the stigmata. It is from this very spot that one of Italy's most profound paths begins: the Way of St. Francis (Northern section). It's not just an itinerary; it's a journey through nature, time, and oneself.

The Northern Way: numbers and direction

The Northern Way connects La Verna to Assisi, crossing the heart of the Apennines between Tuscany and Umbria. You can find technical details and variations on the official Way of St. Francis portal.

• 📍 Length: approximately 190 km
• 🥾 Duration: 9–11 stages
• ⛰️ Difficulty: medium (with significant elevation changes)
• 🌿 Terrain: forests, mountain paths, and medieval villages

It is the most authentic section for those seeking direct contact with the original Franciscan dimension.

Main stages

The path winds through places that are not mere stops, but meaningful passages. For safe planning, we recommend downloading the official maps and GPS tracks.

• La Verna → Sansepolcro: From the spirituality of the mountain to the first opening towards the valley.
• Sansepolcro → Città di Castello: Entering Umbria, between history and hilly landscapes.
• Città di Castello → Gubbio: One of the most intense stages, up to the city of the "wolf".
• Gubbio → Valfabbrica: Silence, nature, and deep reflection.
• Valfabbrica → Assisi: The arrival: not a finish line, but a new point of awareness.

Why embark on this journey here?

The Northern Way is not a stroll; it's a rite of stripping away.

You choose this section because it is the wildest, where your phone loses signal and the forest becomes your home.

Here, you don't just "walk": you learn to breathe in rhythm with your steps, to distinguish the scent of moss at dawn, and to discover that, ultimately, everything you truly need to be happy weighs less than ten kilograms on your shoulders.

Credential and Testimonium: the meaning of the journey

During the journey, every pilgrim carries the Pilgrim's Credential, the essential document that collects stamps from each stage and grants access to humble accommodations. Upon arrival in Assisi, by presenting it, one receives the Testimonium, which certifies the completed journey. And then there's the Tau, the ultimate Franciscan symbol: a simple and essential sign that accompanies anyone who chooses this path.

It's not just a walk

The Way of St. Francis is not an item to check off a list. It is a direction; a different way of being in the world, made of conscious steps and lightness.

A piece of advice before you start

Don't just pack your backpack: prepare your gaze. Because along this road you will not only find breathtaking landscapes, but parts of yourself you didn't even know you were looking for.

👉 Discover the Pilgrim's line inspired by the Way of Saint Francis of Assisi
Less weight. More meaning.