The Walks of St. Francis
St. Francis was a pilgrim, and during his life of poverty and renunciation, he made long journeys to meet people and deliver his message of peace, love and communion with nature.
The walk, whether alone or in company, is a journey within oneself, an inner journey that helps us understand a great deal about ourselves and reconnect with our surroundings, other people, nature and animals. The Ways of Francis in Tuscany is an ancient path that departs from Santa Croce and crosses through the Tuscan countryside, with different routes passing through ancient hermitages and castles, churches, medieval villages and evocative natural landscapes, linking places that are today the symbol and testament to the Saint’s life. It reflects the deep spirituality of this extraordinary man who, with his dedication to poverty and his desire to live in harmony with creation, still inspires people all over the world to follow in his footsteps. Those who would like to learn more about his story can start this journey by visiting the monumental complex, which has been a point of reference for the Franciscan movement in Italy and all over the world for eight hundred years. Here, the extraordinary human and spiritual story of Francis is conveyed through works of art inspired by his life and new digital languages that describe the stops and routes throughout Tuscany and its neighbouring regions, recounting tales of places and pilgrimages. From Florence to La Verna, travelling through Vallombrosa or the Consuma Pass, then on to Arezzo and Cortona to continue on the road to Assisi, discovering new routes that still bear the indelible mark of Francis’ journey.