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The stage starts from Piazza della Repubblica, in the historic centre of Foligno. Leaving the city, you reach the Ponte della Liberazione bridge over the River Topino, and travel along Viale Firenze, a major road leading to the centre. Proceeding carefully along the pavements (where present), or on the edge of the road, you pass the roundabout with the Church of Our Lady of Fiamenga in the centre, and continue straight ahead.
After crossing the underpass that takes you safely over the state road 75 Foligno-Perugia, you leave behind the first buildings on the outskirts of Foligno and continue along Via Spineto. From here, in addition to the signposts for the Way, the route is also accompanied by signs for the Via Lauretana (Way of Loreto).
Once in Spello, you enter the historic centre by passing under the Roman archway of Porta Consolare. The town combines a medieval layout of winding alleys and ancient stone houses, with numerous Roman remains such as the city walls, along which the still well-preserved gates once opened, and the remains of the theatre, the amphitheatre and the baths. The town is still surrounded by the walls, erected in 1360, incorporating part of the Roman fortifications, and by the three splendid gates: Porta Consolare, Porta Urbica and Porta Venere. The latter dates from the Augustan period, is built in the shape of a triumphal arch and is flanked by the twin 'Properzio' towers with a twelve-sided plan.
As you leave Spello, the skyline of the medieval centre recedes behind you. The trail continues through the olive groves of the Umbrian Valley to the Maestà di Mascicone (the 'Majesty of Mascicone'), recognisable by the large votive shrine and the water fountain at the crossroads with Via degli Ulivi. A refreshing stop is recommended here.
The walk continues, among olive and oak trees, first slightly uphill, then along gentle ups and downs, and finally downhill. There are many shaded areas on this route, which leads below the slopes of Mount Subasio (1,290 m) - a place of mysticism and spirituality, as evidenced by the numerous Benedictine and Franciscan hermitages scattered throughout the area.
On reaching the archway of Porta Nuova, you enter the historic centre of Assisi along Via Borgo Aretino. You then continue, leaving the Basilica of St Clare on your left, crossing Via Santa Chiara and Corso Mazzini until you reach Piazza del Comune.
Crossing the medieval heart of the town, you finally reach the Basilica of St Francis, where the tomb of the patron saint of Italy is located and the stage ends.
When travelled in this direction, the stage has undemanding ups and downs, numerous water sources and frequent opportunities for a break. The Way passes through some of the most characteristic landscapes of the Umbrian Valley, among the expanses of olive groves at the foot of Mount Subasio. It also takes you to two of the most noteworthy towns in the area: Spello, with its extraordinary Roman remains, and Assisi, the heart of Franciscan spirituality.
