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The stage starts from San Liberato, a place deeply linked to the Franciscan tradition. St Liberatus was a nobleman from Loro Piceno, who became a friar during St Francis' fourth trip to Le Marche - the journey made in 1215 from which this route originates. The imposing convent of St Liberatus - a destination for many pilgrims - was originally a simple aedicule, dedicated to St Mary of Soffiano. From here, we recommend a 1.7 km detour to one of the most beautiful and evocative places of Franciscanism in Le Marche: the Hermitage of Soffiano, whose ruins stand inside a natural cave on the overhanging rock wall of Monte Ragnolo. Tradition has it that St Francis stayed here during his journey to Ascoli. In addition to its spiritual significance, the convent is known for the quality of its public waters.
From San Liberato, continue downhill to the Abbey of St Saviour (also known as St Mary on the Island). It was built on the ruins of a Roman building, perhaps as a villa or inn along the route to Rome. During the restoration, numerous finds of Roman-Barbarian and Ravenna origin were unearthed. All that remains of the previous Romanesque church is the evocative crypt, which is well-preserved and divided into five aisles with cross-vaults, supported by columns and pillars decorated with stylised plant and animal motifs. Today, the church is almost always closed, but the portico and the fresh water fountain are still a peaceful stopping point for pilgrims.
From the monastery cemetery, the trail descends towards the valley of the Fiastrone river. At the crossroads for the Grotta dei Frati ('Friars' Cave) and the Gole del Fiastrone, you have two options. You can either follow the main route - which is shorter and recommended in periods of rain or flooding - or the longer, more demanding alternative that leads to the gorges, which is best taken in the summer months and after checking that it is passable.
Continuing along dirt tracks and chalk-limestone roads, you reach the Butterfly Garden. Along the way, the landscape is dominated by the outline of the Sibillini mountains, whose presence accompanies the pilgrim for most of this stage. This territory is in fact part of the Sibillini Mountains National Park, a protected area and one of the most fascinating natural environments in the central Apennines.
The route ends with the park behind you, after passing through a landscape of mountains, woodland and testimonies of Franciscan history and spirituality.
