Stage 8: Gubbio - Hermitage of St Peter in the Vineyard

This section of the trail retraces (in the opposite direction), one of the most important journeys made by St Francis. After he made the prophetic gesture of divesting himself of all his worldly goods before the Bishop of Assisi, he headed for Gubbio, where he was welcomed as a pilgrim by his friend Spadalonga. There are many places along the way, to break up the distance of the journey.

Along this road, St Francis proclaimed himself the "herald of the Great King" when confronted by the brigands who beat him. He arrived at a monastery (the Abbey of Vallingegno), where he was reluctantly welcomed and put to work in the kitchens.

As a pilgrim, St Francis faced numerous challenges and difficulties, but it is these that make the journey unique for anyone who decides to follow in his footsteps.

The first stretch heading out of Gubbio is on asphalt and you have to be careful. You then continue along an unsurfaced road. On reaching the mountain ridge, you might want to look over your shoulder and bid goodbye to Gubbio.

You continue through the valley of the Chiascio river and the castles at the top of the slopes. On clear days, you can catch a glimpse of the imposing Monte Subasio in the distance. You reach the Little Church of the Cliffs (also called the Church of Our Lady of Grace), one of the most charming places on the Way, where the memories of the passage of pilgrims are preserved. This is the perfect place to stop and meditate.

After this, you begin the climb through coniferous forests to reach the Hermitage of St Peter in the Vineyard. In this area, you will be welcomed as pilgrims.