The Pilgrim's Credential and the Testimonium
7 minutes
Index
The Way of St Francis is a journey of the soul that crosses landscapes of profound beauty through Abruzzo, Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, Le Marche, Tuscany and Umbria, combining the charm of nature with the spiritual legacy of the Saint of Assisi. Since the Middle Ages, the ancient culture of pilgrimage on foot has always been accompanied by tangible signs of the journey. Even today, those who walk these paths carry with them documents that originate from that very tradition: simple but meaningful tools that mark their steps and preserve the memory of the experience. The first essential document is the Pilgrim's Credential, which you must always carry to collect the stamps of the places of hospitality, testifying to your passage stage by stage. Upon arrival in Assisi, the commitment of the journey is recognised with the Testimonium, a certificate whose historical roots date back to the need of medieval pilgrims to prove that they had completed the Way. Today, this document is issued to those who have travelled at least the last 100 kilometres on foot or 200 kilometres by bicycle. The Way, however, is first and foremost an inner disposition. This is why there is also the Chartula Peregrini, a document given to anyone who arrives in Assisi with the right spirit, regardless of the distance actually travelled. The Franciscan welcome also embraces nature in its entirety: those who walk with their pet can receive the symbolic Four-legged Pilgrim's Certificate. In addition to these, there is the Emidiana, the specific recognition for pilgrims who conclude their route in the city of Ascoli Piceno. Finally, the finish line in Assisi offers the opportunity to attend the Pilgrim's Mass at the Basilica of St Francis. It is a moment of reflection and contemplation open to all, believers and non-believers. Participation is a free choice: a precious occasion in which every pilgrim who has reached the destination is greeted by name, to share the emotions of the journey just completed and to celebrate the end of an intense and deeply human experience.
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The 'Credenziale': a pilgrim's passport that accompanies each step of your journey
The Credenziale or pilgrim's passport is the essential travel document carried by pilgrims that distinguishes them from all other travellers. Stage by stage, its pages will be stamped and dated by the places of hospitality encountered along the way. It is a tangible sign of the pilgrim's passage and of the inner commitment of anyone who undertakes this journey on foot, by bicycle, on horseback or by other means, fully embracing the meaning and spirit of this pilgrimage. As the Credenziale is issued by a religious authority that authenticates its value, it must be used responsibly and respectfully. How to get your Credenziale To make sure your pilgrim's passport is with you in good time for the start of your journey, you must leave enough time for it to arrive by post. Requests should be sent at least 5 weeks before departure for delivery to Italy, and 2 months in advance for delivery abroad. If you are not sure of the exact day you will start the pilgrimage, you can indicate an approximate date on the request form. The dispatch service is handled by the Credenziale desk at 'PiccolAccoglienza' office in the Diocese of Gubbio. Postage is free, but a donation to the office is recommended to help cover the postage costs and support the operation of this valuable service. To apply for your Credenziale, visit: https://www.piccolaccoglienzagubbio.it/credenziale/
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Passport for the Franciscan Way of The Marches and other passports
Those who choose to walk the Franciscan Way of The Marches, the evocative route that connects Assisi to Ascoli Piceno (and vice versa), are accompanied by a specific document: a 'Credenziale' or pilgrim's passport dedicated exclusively to this stage. This essential document collects the stamps and dates of the pilgrim while preserving the memories of each stage. To request your passport and receive all the necessary logistical information, visit the dedicated page: https://www.camminofrancescanodellamarca.it/index.php/credenziale/ Other Franciscan-inspired trails In addition to the main routes, Italy has other Franciscan-inspired trails, each of which issues its own passport. It is important to know that these documents, duly completed and stamped along the way, will also entitle you to receive the Testimonium once you reach Assisi. However, as these trails are managed independently, to obtain your pilgrim's passport you must enquire and apply directly to the organisations or associations responsible for the specific route you have chosen.
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The Testimonium: certifying completion of the Way and your welcome to Assisi
The Testimonium Peregrinationis Peractae ad Sanctorum Francisci et Clarae Civitatem is the document that proves completion of your pilgrimage to the tomb of St Francis. The same applies to all the Franciscan trails leading to Assisi. Its origin is linked to medieval times, when arduous journeys were undertaken as a result of penance or a judge's sentence, and the walker had to prove that their destination had been reached. Today, those who walk the route do so for different and personal reasons: the Testimonium thus becomes a souvenir of inestimable value, a living memory of the emotions and personal discoveries experienced along the way.
Requirements for issue
The testimonium is granted to travellers who have completed at least the last 100 km on foot or the last 200 km by bicycle. Only the stamps and dates collected on your pilgrim's passport are valid. The testimonium is issued with the approval of the local religious authorities.
How and where to receive your testimonium
The testimonium can only be collected in person in Assisi, the final destination of the pilgrimage. Pilgrims can present their passports at the Statio Peregrinorum (Pilgrims' Office) at the Sacred Convent, where they will be welcomed by friars and volunteers who register their arrival and hand over the certificate, as well as offering useful information about accommodation in the city.
Address: Piazza Inferiore di San Francesco, 2 - Assisi (PG)
Contact: Tel. +39 075.81.90.01 | Email: statioperegrinorum@sanfrancescoassisi.org
Opening hours: Morning from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Afternoon from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. * Opening hours are subject to change. Please check before arrival.
The Pilgrim's Mass
Arrival at the Sacred Convent also offers the opportunity to attend the "Pilgrim's Mass," an opportunity for deep contemplation that everyone is free to join. During this time, pilgrims who have reached the destination will be greeted by recalling their name, nationality and place of origin, in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. From April to October, the Mass is celebrated on weekdays at 6:00 pm (in the lower church) and on Sundays at 5:00 pm (at the main altar). It is always advisable to check the actual times at the office, upon arrival.
The Emidiana: recognition for pilgrims completing the route in Ascoli Piceno
While the testimonium is the document that celebrates arrival at the tomb of St Francis in Assisi, pilgrims can also choose to reach Ascoli Piceno. Those choosing to complete their pilgrimage in this beautiful setting in Le Marche, will receive a special certificate, called the Emidiana. It celebrates the completion of the pilgrim's route, offering a tangible sign of the experience and the destination they have reached. The Emidiana is issued at the Accreditation Point inside the Cathedral of Saint Emidius, a place of welcome for those arriving in the city centre after walking along the ancient streets. Useful information The accreditation point is located in Piazza Arringo. The offices are open every day, at the following times: from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 3 pm to 6 pm. This is the landmark destination, where you will receive the certificate and share the joy of having completed such an intense and deeply personal journey.
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The Chartula Peregrini: a universal symbol of the pilgrim's spirit
The Way of St Francis is measured not only in kilometres, but above all in the depth of the inner journey. For this reason, alongside the Testimonium, reserved for pilgrims who have covered specific distances, the final destination offers a special recognition. It is accessible to anyone and carries profound symbolic value: the Chartula Peregrini. The charter, which bears the famous and evocative blessing given by St Francis to Brother Leo, is given to all pilgrims who reach Assisi, regardless of their starting point and the kilometres actually travelled. The presentation of the Chartula embodies the heart of Franciscan inclusiveness and hospitality. It enshrines a fundamental principle: it is not physical endurance or the length of the journey that defines a pilgrim, but the authenticity, openness and spirit with which they reach their destination. It is a simple and precious memento that celebrates the intimate essence of an experience that the soul will always remember.
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The Pet Pilgrim Passport: a souvenir for your faithful travel companions
The deep and special bond that St Francis had with all of Creation encourages many people to share the experience of the pilgrimage in the company of their dog or another pet. The Pet Pilgrim Passport has been created to celebrate the valued presence of our four-legged friends. The certificate itself is a postcard depicting the iconic encounter between St Francis and the tamed wolf, on which the animal's name is written. It is a form of recognition of the beautiful emotional bond between a pilgrim and their furry friend. A symbolic gesture that pays tribute to the loyalty, companionship and comfort offered by the animal along the challenging paths towards the destination. If you've decided to embark on the journey with your four-legged companion, our key piece of advice is to plan your itinerary well in advance. Preparing for each stage while respecting the pace, needs and well-being of your pet is the best way to ensure a safe and peaceful experience that fully honours the care and respect that every creature deserves.
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