Italy has unveiled a comprehensive network of walking routes dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, offering pilgrims and tourists a structured way to follow in the footsteps of the country's patron saint. The project, named Cammino di Francesco – Il Cammino della Luce (The Way of Francis – The Way of Light), brings together existing trails into a single, signposted system that stretches across central Italy.
The routes cover a total of 1,546 kilometres, weaving through the regions of Abruzzo, Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, Marche, Tuscany, and Umbria. All paths converge on Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis and the site of his tomb. The launch is timed to coincide with the eighth centenary of the saint's death, and comes just days before Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Assisi on Thursday, 6 August.
Pietro Cannella, Italy's Undersecretary of Culture, framed the project as more than a tourism initiative. “Saint Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of Italy not only for the greatness of his religious testimony, but also because he embodies values that are part of our country's deepest identity,” he said. “His love for creation, his closeness to the most vulnerable, his dialogue with those who are different, and his choice of peace as a path to coexistence continue to speak to contemporary society.”
Cannella added that the project aims to “unite places, institutions, and people around a shared heritage, making culture a tool for national cohesion and international dialogue.” The routes are now listed on the Italian tourism board's website, with detailed maps and descriptions for each segment.
A modern pilgrimage with practical tools
For those planning to walk the way, the Italian tourism board has introduced a digital credential – a pilgrim's passport – that can be requested online before departure. The credenziale is stamped and dated at various points along the route, serving as a record of the journey. Different passports exist for different routes, and notably, there is even a version for pets, reflecting the growing trend of travelling with animals.
To receive an official certificate of completion, pilgrims must cover the final 100 kilometres to the tomb of Saint Francis on foot, or 200 kilometres by bicycle. This requirement mirrors the rules of other major European pilgrimages, such as the Camino de Santiago in Spain, and is designed to ensure a meaningful physical and spiritual commitment.
The network's launch comes at a time when Italy is seeing a surge in domestic and international tourism. The country is already preparing for a busy summer, with projections of 17.5 million tourists during the Ferragosto holiday alone, spending an estimated €9 billion. The new pilgrimage routes are expected to attract a share of these visitors, particularly those seeking a slower, more reflective form of travel.
Italy's broader tourism strategy has increasingly focused on promoting lesser-known destinations and sustainable travel options. The Saint Francis trails, which pass through small hill towns, olive groves, and medieval monasteries, fit neatly into this approach. They also complement other cultural itineraries, such as the train routes to Europe's traditional craft towns, which highlight ceramics in Italy and glass in Czechia.
The timing of the launch, just before the papal visit, underscores the political and religious significance of the event. Pope Francis, who chose his name in honour of Saint Francis, has made environmental stewardship and care for the poor central themes of his papacy. His visit to Assisi is expected to draw tens of thousands of faithful, and the new trail network will offer them an additional way to engage with the saint's legacy.
For international visitors, the routes provide a structured way to explore a region that is often overlooked in favour of Rome, Florence, or Venice. The trails range from gentle day walks to multi-day treks, with accommodation available in monasteries, agriturismi, and small guesthouses. The Italian tourism board has also published practical information on transport links, including train connections to the main starting points.
As Europe's pilgrimage routes gain renewed popularity, the Way of Francis adds a distinctly Italian dimension to the continent's network of spiritual paths. Whether undertaken for religious reasons or simply for the love of walking, the routes offer a chance to experience the landscape that shaped one of Christianity's most beloved figures.
