Relive the journey in the footsteps of St. Francis in the name of spirituality, in the streets and paths that lead from Rome to Assisi; a path of about 300 kilometers that combines splendid landscapes, contact with nature and the discovery of local traditions and typical features with the proverbial welcome of the Pro Loco.
These are the cornerstones of the relay race “From Francesco to Francesco” which retraces the places where the Saint spent part of his life, leaving important traces. The initiative is organized by the National Union of Pro Loco (Unpli) in collaboration with the Unpli Lazio and Unpli Umbria regional committees.
The start on Sunday, September 18, with the participation of a large delegation of UNPLI at the Angelus, in St. Peter’s Square, which will be followed by the first of the 17 stages on the calendar (Monterotondo-Palombara Sabina).
The route will end, as usual, in Assisi, on October 4, the day on which the feast of St. Francis, patron saint of Italy occurs.
“The Relay” From Francesco to Francesco “is a unique experience that offers an unparalleled mix of spirituality, contact with nature and the discovery of the treasures of each individual community, from cultural heritages to typical products, protected and enhanced by the Pro Loco ”Affirms the president of UNPLI, Antonino La Spina.
“The volunteers of the Pro Loco will be available for any kind of assistance in case of difficulty, but also to tell about their territories, their traditions and to make known and appreciated the typical products, representing the added value of the relay” says Sandro Di Addezzio , Head of the “Paths” Department of Unpli.
The path winds through the four Franciscan sanctuaries (the sanctuary-convent of Fonte Colombo, the convent of Greccio, the sanctuary of the Forest and the sanctuary of Poggio Bustone).
Along the way, the walkers will be assisted by the individual Pro Loco of the municipalities concerned who will also provide information and organize events and other moments of meeting, enhancement and promotion of the territory. Participation in the relay is free. Further info and contacts are available on the websitewegitaliani.it.
Here are the stages of the journey.
Sunday 18/09/22: Rome – UNPLI Representation in St. Peter’s Square for Angelus
1) 18/9 Departure Monterotondo-Palombara Sabina; 2) 19/9 Palombara Sabina – Moricone – Montelibretti; 3) 20/9 Montelibretti – Scandriglia – Poggio Moiano; 4) 9/21 Poggio Moiano – Monteleone Sabino – Oliveto Sabino; 5) 22/9 / Sabino olive grove – Belmonte in Sabina – Rieti; 6) Friday 23/9 Greccio – Fonte Colombo Sanctuary – Rieti; 7) 24/9 Rieti – La Foresta Sanctuary – Cantalice – Poggio Bustone Sanctuary; 8) 25/9 Sanctuary Poggio Bustone – Beech – Morro Reatino – Sorg. S. Susanna; 9) 26/9 Sorg. S. Susanna – Villa D’Assio – Nativity Sanctuary – Greccio; 10) 27/9 Greccio Sanctuary – Prati Stroncone – Moggio – Marmore – Torreorsina; 11) 28/9 Torreorsina – Arrone – Ferentillo – Scheggino; 12) 29/9 Scheggino – Sant’Anatolia di Narco; 13) 30/9 Sant’Anatola di Narco – Spoleto; 14) 1/10 Spoleto – Poreta – Trevi; 15) 02/10 Trevi – Foligno – Spello; 16) 3/10 Spello – S. Maria degli Angeli; 17) 04/10 S. Maria degli Angeli – Assisi.
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