Finding St Francis in the heart of Italy

In the quiet hills of Italy, the country’s patron saint is eternally present in the names of churches, monasteries and wayside chapels, and on the network of pilgrimage routes winding through the heart of Italy towards Rome.  As the 800th anniversary of his death approaches in 2026, we’re taking a look at St Francis of Assisi and his legacy, and where you can encounter him along our routes.

Born around 1181 into a prosperous family, the young Francis enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, but after a strange vision came to him, he devoted himself to a life of poverty and prayer. Preaching a message of brotherly love, peace and respect for the natural world in the mountains of Umbria and beyond, he attracted a following that led to the founding of the Franciscan Order in 1210. The Order grew throughout Italy and across Europe, alongside an order for women known as the Poor Clares, and a secular order that does not live monastically. He died in October 1226, and was declared a saint in 1228 when the building of the Basilica of St Francis was begun in Assisi. Today he is venerated around the world for his example of caring for the poor and needy, and as the patron saint of ecology, and is still very much present in the lives of present-day pilgrims.

Walk with St Francis in Umbria

Hikers taking On Foot’s route south from Spoleto in Umbria might like to visit Assisi before their walk, to see the Basilica and take in the atmosphere of the anniversary celebrations during 2026. You will also encounter the Via di Francesco pilgrimage trail occasionally. A highlight of your holiday is the little town of Greccio, with its hermitage clinging to a cliff face nearby. Inspired by his visit to the Holy Land, it was here that St Francis created the first nativity scene in 1223, in a rustic chapel hewn from the rock. An ox and ass attended the simple manger, and villagers processed with torches and candles. The scene is still recreated every Christmas.

Visit the Franciscan chapels of Sacro Monte

Set in woodland above Orta, final destination of our Lake Maggiore walking holiday, are the 20 small chapels of Sacro Monte di Orta, one of the most sacred places in Piedmont. Built between 1590 and 1788, with architectural styles reaching from Renaissance to Baroque and Rococo, each chapel contains the depiction of a scene in the life of St Francis, in frescoes or life-size statues.  As you leave the site, which is now a Special Nature Reserve, and walk down to the charming town of Orta, you’ll pass a striking modern statue of the saint in his customary pose with birds alighting on his hands.

Sacred spaces in Tuscany

As the Franciscan Order grew rapidly in the 13th century, many new churches were dedicated to the saint. Walkers in Southern Tuscany pass through the charming town of Pienza, where it’s worth taking a moment to visit the church of San Francesco in the town centre. This simple building is now surrounded by much grander facades, though its interior retains remnants of 14th century frescoes alongside contemporary pieces, and provides a peaceful sanctuary from the busy street.

See all On Foot Holidays routes in Italy

Yes, the European summer is fading, and the autumn hiking season is well under way, but now might be just the moment to look ahead to the cooler months.
Spain is the reliable option at this time of year. On Foot Holidays has a selection of routes here, where you’ll find gently warm temperatures, fabulous landscapes and quiet trails. And not a snow-mobile in sight!

Sunny Alicante might not be your first thought for a walking holiday, but do take a look at our route in the quiet hills beyond the coast. Marina Alta has charming villages, geological features that make for varied hiking, and a fine seaside town to complete your walk.  Available October to April, except Christmas and New Year.

Closer to Africa than Europe, La Gomera in the Canary Islands is best visited in winter, when the island welcomes more hikers than sunseekers. The fabulous volcanic landscape is a rewarding challenge, and the villages are delightfully undeveloped.  Available October to mid-May, except Christmas and New Year.

White villages (pueblos blancos) scatter the hills of the Grazalema National Park in Andalucia, surrounded by dramatic limestone landscapes that are a paradise for birdwatchers. Walk over the wild hillsides and lush river valleys to the Moorish cliff-top bastion of Ronda.  Available September to mid-December and February to May.

Another island – Mallorca – completes our winter quartet. After a couple of nights in the historic capital, Palma, head into the mountains of the northwest, well away from the coastal resorts, where you’ll find dramatic paths high above the coast, drifts of almond blossom in spring, and some lovely hotels.  Available September to mid-November, and mid-February to June.

See all our routes in Spain here

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If our new walking route wasn’t enough of a reason to hike through The Southern Cotswolds to the gorgeous city of Bath, there are plenty more!

Visit in autumn 2025 to catch some of this year’s celebrations of the 250^th anniversary of the birth of novelist Jane Austen. She lived in the city from 1801 to 1806, and though she grew weary of the superficiality of the social scene, the fashionable spa town appeared as the backdrop to parts of her novels Persuasion and Northanger Abbey.

The architecture of the city today is still very much that of the Georgian town that Austen would have known, with elegant crescents, parks and busy shops. The social scene, however, is now a little different – gone is the rigid class structure centred around dances at the Assembly Rooms, replaced by a more relaxed and inclusive stylishness, with plenty to ‘divert the visitor’ (as Jane might have said).

Visit medieval Bath Abbey in the centre of the town, taste the waters at the Pump Room beside the Roman Baths, relax with a cream tea or a ‘Sally Lunn Bun’. Or just wander the streets and alleyways to take in Pulteney Bridge with its little shops above the river, the stately Royal Crescent, or Sydney Gardens where Austen would have looked for inspiration among the fashionable young people out for a stroll.

Activities for Austen fans visiting Bath

See what’s happening in Bath here – Austen fans might like to visit the special exhibitions at The Holburne Museum or No 1 Royal Crescent, try a guided tour, or drop into the Jane Austen Centre.

Other entrancing places to visit for echoes of Jane Austen and her characters

Bath is the final destination of our new walking holiday, The Southern Cotswolds, but is not the only place on our English routes where you’ll find echoes of Jane Austen and her much-loved characters.

Walk through the luscious green landscapes of Dorset to Lyme Regis on the famous Jurassic Coast. This pretty seaside town sits above a sandy beach leading to a little harbour protected by ‘The Cobb’ – a wide seawall that was the setting for a pivotal scene in Persuasion. Take care on the stone steps, as you won’t want to fall as Louisa Musgrove did – there’s unlikely to be a gallant naval Captain ready to catch you!

Visit stately Chatsworth House, probably the grandest house in Derbyshire, while hiking our Peak District route. It is widely assumed that the home of the Dukes of Devonshire is the model for Mr Darcy’s ‘Pemberley’ in Pride and Prejudice. Indeed, the 2015 film adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel starring Keira Knightley was partly filmed at the house. Austen visited Chatsworth while staying at nearby Bakewell in 1811, and called the town ‘Lambton’ in the novel.

See all On Foot routes in England and Wales

More literary inspiration