Italy has officially launched a new national pilgrimage route, Il Cammino di Francesco – Il Cammino della Luce (The Way of Francis – The Way of Light), spanning 1,546 kilometers across six regions. The route was unveiled by Tourism Minister Gianmarco Mazzi at Rome's Palazzo Chigi in July, marking the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, the mystic and founder of the Franciscan order.
A route steeped in history and nature
The camino follows the paths Saint Francis walked during his lifetime, crossing Abruzzo, Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, Marche, Tuscany, and Umbria. It incorporates existing trails, including the 110-kilometer stretch from Rimini to the mountain sanctuary of La Verna, where Saint Francis is said to have received the stigmata. All routes ultimately lead to Assisi, the saint's birthplace and final resting place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The network offers multiple branches, allowing pilgrims to choose their preferred sections. For instance, two Rome-to-Assisi routes exist: the Salaria option traverses the Sabine area and the Rieti Sacred Valley, featuring historic villages and the Sanctuary of Greccio, site of the first live nativity scene. The Tiberina branch follows ancient paths between the Tiber Valley and Sabina. Additionally, the Rieti Sacred Valley Loop connects the medieval town of Rieti to four Franciscan sanctuaries: Greccio, La Foresta, Poggio Bustone, and Fonte Colombo.
Other stages include
- Florence to La Verna (northern and southern variants)
- La Verna to Assisi (Caprese Michelangelo and Pieve Santo Stefano branches)
- Ascoli Piceno to Assisi
- The Way of St Francis in Abruzzo
Difficulty and accessibility
The camino is rated moderate to challenging, not due to technical climbing but because of rugged terrain, steep climbs to hilltop towns, and continuous rolling hills. The Way of St Francis is considered one of the hardest routes, with most stages containing significant elevation changes. For those seeking easier sections, two landmarks near Assisi are recommended: the Eremo delle Carceri sanctuary on Mount Subasio, about 4 kilometers from the town, and the Papal Basilica of St Mary of the Angels at the city's foot, a key pilgrimage site and birthplace of Franciscanism.
Rising popularity of walking holidays
The launch aligns with a surge in trekking and mountaineering interest, with searches up 69% year-on-year. Spain's Camino de Santiago, a similar 1,400-kilometer route, has seen over 530,000 completions recently. Italy's new camino, combined with its landscapes and cuisine, is expected to attract global pilgrims.
The route also taps into the 'stillcation' trend, focusing on reflection and presence. Research from Inghams Walking highlights stillness as vital for creativity and problem-solving. Psychotherapist Eloise Skinner notes, 'Stillness allows us to feel a greater sense of calm and presence, enabling us to focus on the present moment and feel more grounded.' She adds that it engages the prefrontal cortex, similar to guided meditation, and can lower cortisol, potentially reducing inflammation and improving immune response over time.
Planning your journey
Detailed maps, itineraries, and planning tools are available on italia.it and the official camino app. Flight options depend on the chosen stage: Abruzzo via Pescara (Ryanair from London Stansted from £28), Emilia-Romagna via Bologna or Rimini (from £31 or £42), Lazio via Rome Fiumicino or Ciampino (Wizz Air from Luton around £45), Marche via Ancona (Ryanair from Stansted around £21), Tuscany via Pisa or Florence (from £25), and Umbria via Perugia (from £61).
As walking holidays gain momentum—searches up 52% since the pandemic—the new camino offers a unique blend of spiritual heritage, natural beauty, and physical challenge, inviting travelers to experience Italy one step at a time.
