Finding St Francis in the heart of Italy Back to News

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