Cammino di San Francesco

Route overview

The Cammino di San Francesco (Way of St Francis) links sites associated with the life of St Francis of Assisi across central Italy. The most commonly walked southern section runs from Assisi in Umbria to Rome, while a northern extension continues from La Verna in Tuscany down to Assisi, allowing for a longer combined pilgrimage. The route passes through the Umbrian and Lazio countryside, historic hill towns, and smaller sites connected to the saint's life, including Rieti and Greccio. It follows a mix of rural tracks, minor roads and forest paths, waymarked with the route's distinctive Tau cross symbol. Pilgrims typically walk the Assisi–Rome section over nine to twelve days, staying in convents, parish hostels and small guesthouses along the way, in keeping with the route's spiritual character.

Trail facts

Country

Italy

Region

Umbria / Lazio

Distance

c. 130–180 km

Typical duration

9–12 days

Difficulty

Moderate

Elevation gain

c. 3,500 m cumulative

Best season

April–June, September–October

Trail type

Pilgrimage route

Safety context

Generally low-risk rural and road walking; some road sections require care due to traffic. Summer heat in central Italy can be significant.

Waymarking is less consistent than on the Camino de Santiago; a guidebook or GPS track is commonly recommended alongside the Tau waymarks.

Highlights

Basilica of St Francis in Assisi Greccio, site of the first nativity scene Rieti valley countryside Final approach into Rome and St Peter's Basilica

Why find a buddy

A multi-day pilgrimage through rural Italy is a meaningful shared experience, and company adds both safety and companionship on quieter rural stretches.

Primary source

Open the primary route source.

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