Five Pilgrimage Paths in Central Italy

Italy is rich in magical routes that offer breathtaking landscapes and allow today's travelers to wander slowly through nature, ready to unveil historical testimonies and fundamental traces of those who walked before them, centuries and centuries ago. For those wishing to admire the most characteristic places in Central Italy, here are 5 pilgrimage paths ready to reveal absolute and unmissable wonders.

Lazio is both the starting and ending point of the European Via Francigena. This stretch reveals medieval villages, spectacular landscapes, and intertwined centuries-old stories, playing a key role in the development of the route, primarily because it houses the most sought-after pilgrimage destination for travelers, Rome, and secondly because it directs travelers to Santa Maria di Leuca, the most important spiritual center in Salento.

The Lazio section of the Via Francigena develops over twenty-one stages on foot, ten north of the Eternal City, starting from Proceno, in the heart of Tuscia, the first municipality after the Tuscan route, and eleven to the south of the Capital, along the ancient Via Appia, up to Castelforte and the border with Campania. Points of interest include the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Acquapendente, the beautiful Lake Bolsena, the Rocca dei Papi in Montefiascone, and the characteristic Devil's Bridge in the medieval village of Canino. Traversing the Lazio territory allows one to explore an endless variety of landscapes, epochs, and stories, between glimpses suspended between land and sea, and local traditions to discover.

Here are some useful tips for walking the Via Francigena calmly.

The Capuchin Path traverses the internal ridge of the Marche region from north to south, with a route of almost 400 km that retraces the origins of the Order. It is a path rich in spiritual, historical, artistic, and natural significance. The first part of the path - 220 km divided into 10 stages - begins in Fossombrone, in the province of Pesaro and Urbino, from Colle dei Santi, where the Capuchin convent is located, and reaches Camerino, home to the first convent of the Order. Among the stages are the enchanting Gola del Furlo, the ancient monastery of Fonte Avellana, and Cingoli, the

balcony of the Marche,

which offers a wide panorama of the region.

The second part of the path - 160 km in 7 stages - resumes from Camerino ending in Ascoli Piceno, passing through must-see attractions such as the Sanctuary of the Madonna dell'Ambro, nestled in the Sibillini Mountains, and the Sanctuary of San Serafino da Montegranaro, the Saint of the Capuchins of the Marche, the final stage that concludes the itinerary.

The Capuchin Path is quite demanding from a physical standpoint due to the topography of the Marche interior, characterized by a continuous alternation of ups and downs, with numerous sections having significant elevation changes. Therefore, it is strongly discouraged to undertake the journey without a good level of training.

In this regard, it is advisable to start with short walks on flat terrain, gradually increasing the distance and elevation changes, varying the type of terrain, to get the body accustomed to outdoor mountain trails or wooded paths, dirt roads or gravel paths. The path is walkable in many months of the year, but it is not recommended during the winter months due to the mountainous sections that may be snow-covered.

The Way of Francis is another pilgrimage path in Central Italy that should be done at least once in a lifetime. This route on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback stretches nearly 500 km, connecting places that bear witness to the life and preaching of the Saint of Assisi. It is a timeless journey through hermitages, sanctuaries, ancient forests, and medieval villages that inspired Francis and winds through the places where he lived.

The journey starts north of the Rupe della Verna, in the heart of the Tuscan Apennines, a place known for the miracle of the stigmata of Saint Francis, who had the sanctuary built here, still visitable today. It then descends towards Gubbio and Assisi, continuing through the hills of Umbria and towards the monasteries of Rieti towards Rome. The Lazio segment - which can be traveled from north to south towards the Capital, or in reverse to reach Assisi - starts at the border between Umbria and Lazio, near Labro for the main route and near Greccio for the alternative routes, which include: the Santa Valley Reatina Path, the Tiberina Route, and the Farfa Variant.

As with all the most important pilgrimage paths, there is also an official Pilgrim's Credential for the Way of Francis and a certificate of completion. The Credential is issued to those who intend to embark on a pilgrimage on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback and who commit to accepting the meaning and spirit of the journey. It must be requested at least 3 weeks before departure to allow for mailing. The shipping service is free and provided by the Franciscan families of Assisi; however, a donation to cover shipping costs is appreciated.

The Benedictine Path connects the three most important Benedictine places: Norcia, birthplace of the Saint, Subiaco, where he lived for thirty years and founded numerous monasteries, and the Abbey of Montecassino, where he spent the last part of his life and founded the Rule that bears his name.

Just over 300 km to be traveled on foot, by bicycle or on horseback, through the green heart of Italy, on a path made of trails, paths, dirt roads, and secondary roads that starts in Umbria, enters Lazio, and travels to its southernmost border, just steps from Campania. The path is not only a journey into the Benedictine world but also a pilgrimage to the places of other folk saints, such as Rita of Cascia, Francis of Assisi, and Thomas Aquinas, or lesser-known figures.

Although it is well marked, it is advisable to travel the Path with the help of the namesake guide, which proposes a division into 16 stages on foot, or 7 by bicycle. Those who wish to travel it on two wheels will find a biking route designed to be tackled on a mountain bike, equipped with bags. It is recommended to bring a repair kit that includes spare tubes, a pump, Allen wrenches, brake and gear cables, a chain breaker, and a tensioner.

The Way of Saint Thomas is a cultural, naturalistic, and spiritual itinerary that connects the city of Rome, with St. Peter's Basilica, to Ortona, where the Cathedral of Saint Thomas, guardian of the apostle's relics since 1258, is located. This route, about 316 km long, crosses the heart of the most authentic Abruzzo, highlighting its scenic excellences and places of faith such as churches, hermitages, and abbeys. The itinerary can be traveled on foot, by bike on road and off-road, and on horseback.

The Way is also a modern pilgrimage following the footsteps of Saint Bridget of Sweden, who arrived in Ortona between 1365 and 1368 after being revealed the presence of the bones of Saint Thomas in the cathedral of the city. Taking as a reference the ancient consular road Tiburtina Valeria, which led to the Adriatic, one can discover the Abruzzo landscape and the Lazio segment thanks to the most picturesque nature trails crossing the Castelli Romani Regional Natural Park, the Simbruini Mountains Natural Park, the Sirente-Velino Natural Park, the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga Park, and the Majella National Park. One can also admire the many charming villages of Lazio and Abruzzo encountered along the way.

The path of the Way of Saint Thomas crosses the Apennines, from Rome to the Adriatic, with a route that combines faith and nature, culture and tradition. It can ideally be traveled on foot in 16 days. Below are all the stages.