Following in the footsteps of Saint Francis in the Arezzo countryside

The land of Arezzo is surrounded by an aura of deep mysticism, inextricably linked to the figure of Saint Francis. In the Arezzo mountains, the Poor Man from Assisi, as Francis was known,  found refuge and settled here for part of his life. On the mountain of La Verna, he founded the Sanctuary where he later received the Stigmata. In these ancient beech and chestnut woods, he retreated in prayer to be with God. From this savage area of Casentino, Francis set off on his way to Rome, passing through the Valtiberina and Valdichiana areas towards Cortona where the Hermitage of “Le Celle” is located today. 

The Montecasale Path starts at the Sanctuary of La Verna and leads to the Hermitage of Montecasale, passing through the woods and the village of Pieve Santo Stefano. It follows along towards the Hermitage of Cerbaiolo and eventually ends in Sansepolcro at the Church of St. Francis.

The San Leo Path branches out from the Montecasale Path and leads to the “Rocca di San Leo” in Romagna. It continues past Badia Tedalda, the village of Sestino and the gigantic “Sasso di Simone.”

The Casella Hermitage Path is an uphill climb that is surrounded by nature and the great inhabitants of the forest, wolves and deer. This journey was made by Francis long ago, from the Hermitage of Camaldoli to the Hermitage of Casella. Today there is a small stone chapel, dedicated to the Saint, and a hermitage that welcomes travelers. The path continues past  Badia Prataglia, the Valle Santa and the Sanctuary of La Verna.

The Path of “Le Celle” is the natural continuation and completion of the Path of the Casella Hermitage. This path passes through Caprese Michelangelo in the countryside, stopping at the Church of San Polo and the Chapel of San Francesco in Zenzano. Eventually you reach Anghiari and after crossing through the village, you come to the Church of St. Francis. The path then continues towards Arezzo with a stop at the Church of Saint Francis which houses the fresco cycle The Legend of the True Cross by Piero della Francesca and the relics of the Franciscan Blessed Benedetto Sinigardi. The next stop is in Cortona, at the Church of Saint  Francis and the Sanctuary of Saint Margaret  and finally the Hermitage of the “Celle.” Here you can find the things that were cherished by Francis, peace, silence and simplicity.