Cammino di Assisi, Moncenisio - Genova
The place
The Cammino di Assisi is a 7–9 day pilgrimage linking Florence to Assisi along ancient Franciscan routes through Tuscany and Umbria. Over around 200 km, the trail passes through La Verna (where Saint Francis received the stigmata), the Sanctuary of La Verna, Caprese Michelangelo and the Umbrian plain. The landscape is quintessentially Italian: cypresses, olive trees, medieval villages and gently rolling countryside. The route is spiritual and cultural in character, open to everyone with no technical difficulty.
Why go
Sanctuary of La Verna (1,283 m). Caprese Michelangelo (birthplace of Michelangelo). Città di Castello and its medieval center. Gubbio and its alleyways. Assisi with the Basilica of San Francesco (UNESCO). View over the Umbrian plain from Assisi.
A bit of history
Ancient routes of the Franciscan Order, dating back to the 13th century. Saint Francis of Assisi walked these lands preaching and evangelizing. The modern Cammino di Assisi was waymarked and promoted by the association of the same name in 2012, drawing inspiration from the Camino de Santiago de Compostela.
Getting there
Florence: rail hub and international airport. Assisi: train from Perugia or Rome. The route is well served by public transport along the way.
Recommended gear
Lightweight hiking shoes. 30–40 L backpack. Lightweight sleeping bag (hostels and guesthouses along the route). ID card and pilgrim credential.
Best season
April to June and September to November. July–August very hot. Spring brings spectacular Umbrian wildflowers.