A New St Francis Pilgrimage Route Crosses Six Italian Regions
Italy has introduced a national pilgrimage network dedicated to St Francis of Assisi, bringing existing Franciscan walking routes together under one project. The Cammino di Francesco – Il Cammino della Luce is intended to give walkers a clearer way to follow places connected with the saint and the Franciscan Order. The project also forms part of Italy’s commemorations marking 800 years since St Francis’s death.
What the New St Francis Route Covers
- Route: Cammino di Francesco – Il Cammino della Luce
- Route network: 1,546 km across six Italian regions
- Regions: Abruzzo, Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, Marche, Tuscany and Umbria
- Starting point: No single starting point; the network includes several routes and branches
- Final destination: Assisi
- Travel mode: Entire network can be walked on foot
The routes were chosen after a historical review by the national committee overseeing the 800th anniversary of St Francis’s death. Along the network, walkers can visit 22 Franciscan destinations connected with the saint and his order. Italy’s tourism ministry says maps, suggested itineraries and dedicated information are being published through the official Italia website and app, giving walkers a single planning source for the different sections.
The wider network brings several major Franciscan sites into one journey, including the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso, the Eremo delle Carceri and the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Depending on the branch chosen, walkers can also pass through Florence and La Verna before reaching Assisi. That creates more options for combining pilgrimage with smaller towns, countryside and historic religious sites across central Italy.
Because the published distance includes different branches, links and variants, this is not one continuous trail that everyone needs to complete. Walkers can choose a section that suits their time and ability, then use the official maps to plan it. Those completing at least the final 100 kilometres on foot can also qualify for the Testimonium pilgrimage certificate when they reach Assisi.