Stage 3: Greccio - Poggio Bustone

From the Greccio Sanctuary, the route continues downhill along the provincial road, before turning onto a dirt road that passes through a silent forest. On reaching Reopasto, the trail continues along the River Velino as far as the Canal of St Susan, immersed in a landscape characterised by rich vegetation.

After passing through the village of Mazzetelli, you arrive at the archaeological site of the Villa of Quinto Assio, an important relic dating from the Roman era. A little further on, you come to the springs of St Susan, one of the most important spring complexes in Europe and declared a Natural Monument in 1977. During the winter, these waters are home to one of the largest underwater nativity scenes in Europe.

You then continue towards Borgo San Pietro, passing a short uphill stretch on a provincial road. Your route continues as far as the hamlet of Bandita, where the most challenging ascent of the stage begins: about two kilometres uphill, with a difference in altitude of 260 metres.

Two-thirds of the way up, you reach Poggio Bustone, the village linked to the famous greeting with which St Francis addressed the local population on his arrival in 1208: "Good morning, good people!". Passing through the quaint narrow streets of the historic centre and following the steps winding around the mountainside, you reach the Sanctuary of St James.

Surrounded by greenery and overlooking the Santa Reatina valley, the sanctuary preserves the memory of one of the most significant episodes in the life of St Francis. According to tradition, it was here that Francis received confirmation of the forgiveness of his youthful sins and the vision of the future expansion of his Order.