Stage 9.B: Valfabbrica - Perugia

This stage is an interesting alternative if you want to visit the city of Perugia, where St Francis' existential change began, during the year of his imprisonment.

Today, the city offers many events, museums and monuments to visit. Travelling to Perugia, the capital of Umbria, allows you to discover one of the most beautiful cities of art in this region. This modern vibrant city coexists with its proud medieval past, which has left a legacy of pure masterpieces of art and architecture.

From Valfabbrica, the route is mainly on surfaced roads, passing through olive groves and several villages.

It begins with a gradual, smooth ascent towards Monte Verde. Step by step, the view opens out over the narrow Valfabbrica valley.

You first reach Pianello, where you can take a refreshing break before continuing on to the Castle of Ripa. You traverse the village lengthwise, and come to the panoramic viewpoint on Piazzetta del Montarone, from where you can make out Assisi and the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels.

You continue walking on asphalt, through the villages of Lidarno, Ponte Valleceppi and Pretola. From Torre di Pretola, you begin the long and demanding climb that leads near the Templar Church of St Bevignate and then inside the Acropolis of Perugia.