Stage 5: Citerna-Città di Castello

This part of the Way is about 20 km long, and is a pleasant walk. 

From the rugged Apennine landscape of the previous stages, you move into the gentler landscape of the Upper Tiber Valley.

The climbs are not demanding, and the route takes you through fields and small villages. Among the horse chestnuts, oaks and downy oaks, you tackle uphill and downhill stretches with no steep gradients. Along the way, there are stopping points and fountains where you can stock up on water and supplies. There is also a buffalo farm that produces delicious mozzarella.

Once you reach the ridge of the hills in Le Burge, you can enjoy a 180° view of the Tiber Valley and the Umbrian landscape, shaped by hills, hillside villages, woodland and churches. Several sections of this stretch are in full sun, so pilgrims should never forget their hat and a water bottle.

In Lerchi, you pass by the "Archeologia Arborea" foundation (which can be visited by appointment), which collects ancient local varieties of fruit plants to preserve the local biodiversity.

Along the way, a votive shrine and an iron cross mark the Franciscan hermitage "Buon Riposo", which takes its name from the stop that St Francis made here.

The last section is downhill towards the simple and elegant facade of the Cathedral of Città di Castello, which welcomes pilgrims on their way to Assisi. Città di Castello has always had a very high regard for art. Once the workplace of famous artists, many stately buildings and monuments have also been built here, including the cathedral and the Churches of St Dominic and St Francis. Città di Castello is the home of one of the greatest Umbrian artists of the 20th century, Alberto Burri, whose works can be found in the city's two museums. Not to be missed is the Diocesan Museum, where you can see the Treasure of Canoscio, one of the oldest remaining hoards of silverware for liturgical use, dating back to the early Christian era.