St Francis Way from Assisi to Spoleto

If you arrive earlier enough you should spend the time to explore Assisi with its many outstanding churches, palaces, and ancient buildings. The Basilica of St. Francis with the crypt, the Church of Santa Chiara, the Cathedral of San Rufino and the Minerva Temple built in Roman times are all here to be found.

Today you walk from Assisi to Spello. You will follow a beautiful uphill trail which leads through the slopes of Monte Subasio to the astonishing hermitage called “Eremo delle Carceri”. If you wish you can take a taxi to avoid a good part of the climb to the Eremo delle Carceri. This magnificent monastery was one of the places where Francis regularly retreated for prayer. The trail continues through an old oak forest to the IX century abbey of San Benedetto. Then a long descent will take you down to the medieval town of Spello.

As today’s walk is shorter you will have time to visit the beautiful,  pink stoned medieval town of Spello. Then you shall have a  leisurely walk through olive groves and vineyards which takes you to the small village of Scanzano, where you can stop for a drink. You then continue to the hilltop agriturismo where you overnight and from where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

First, you will have a short transfer to Uppello, where your walk begins. After a steep climb, you pass the XI century Rocca di Scandolaro castle. You will then continue through oak forests and olive groves until Trevi, another remarkable town well worth visiting. You then walk along a medieval aqueduct where you finally reach Bovara di Trevi, where you spend the night in an agriturismo with a swimming pool.

Now from Bovara di Trevi to Campello Alto you follow the official “Via Francescana”, the original path walked by St. Francis. You shall see beautiful views of the valley of Spoleto. On your way, you can see the majestic high walls of the convent of Pissignano and the convent Padri Barnabiti in Campello, where the meditative atmosphere will uplift your spirit. After passing Lenano, you will reach the tiny, medieval village of Poreta, dominated by its castle which is reached with a short walk from the village.

First, you will join a narrow trail leads you to the hamlet of Santa Maria di Reggiano. The old monastery contains beautiful XII and XIV century frescos. Then you Pass by the hamlet of Eggi and following the old dismantled railway line until you reach Spoleto, or you can make a detour for a longer but spectacular entry into the city, passing high above the Tessino stream on the medieval aqueduct that bridges the valley. From here enjoy superb views of the city and its surroundings.

Depart after breakfast.