St Francis and the holy valley of Rieti

The St Francis way is an authentic itinerary from the delightful Assisi to the stupendous Rome. Full of charm it goes far beyond religion. It’s definetely one of the most intense experiences you can live whilst walking (for some, greater than the Santiago de Compostela walk!). Through the regions of Umbria and Lazio, a remarkable number of medieval towns, shrines, tiny villages, hamlets, historical sites, wild nature, unforgettable landscapes and, of course, people. A cross section of the typical social structures of central Italy, utterly genuine, as was Francis’s life. The valley around Rieti is probably the best place to enjoy one or more days on a part of this long path, as it encompasses all of the character of Francis’s earliest experiences, which is why it’s called “The Holy Valley”. The significant sanctuaries of Greccio, Poggio Bustone, La Foresta and Fonte Colombo, all linked to an important part of Francis’ life, are a shining opportunity to approach the revolution the man from Assisi caused and let it into our personal experiences. Greccio is also included in the listings of the most beautiful villages in Italy, with its sorroundings mountains, the cavern where Francis invented the live nativity scene on Christmas day 1223, the “Cappelletta” (the little chapel), an extremely simple hut where he spent time in absolute solitude and the shrine visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. There is a new Francis to discover in this valley, less monumental but much more authentic, based on the books of probably the best expert of Medieval History and biographer of Francis of Assisi: Chiara Frugoni. Joy or fear? Freedom or penance? Dream or reality?

TO BE NOTED

Medium-level treks for which reasonable level of phisical fitness is required.
• Guided one or multi day break with professional hiking guide.
• Free entrance to the Sanctuaries (an offering is welcom by the franciscan friars)
• professional liability policy
• accident/injury coverage included