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From the village of Poggio Bustone, a signposted path leads to the sanctuary. According to tradition, it was here that Francis, arriving for the first time in the village on the slopes of the Apennines, greeted the inhabitants with the famous exclamation: "Good morning, good people!". Seekers of peace, who, like the Saint, yearn to escape the "pomp of the world", will find an ideal place for contemplation in this convent immersed in greenery.
Leaving the sanctuary, you tackle the first section in the woods, which is about 2.5 km long. At the end of the descent, you reach the village of St Liberatus.
From here, the path continues up the approximately 300 steps that lead to Cantalice Superiore. The village offers refreshment options as well as splendid views of the Terminillo massif and the lakes of Lungo and Ripasottile, which extend into the Piana Reatina.
You continue alternating ascents and descents, passing by the Sanctuary of St Felix at the Water and reaching the Sanctuary of the Forest, whose simple and sober form recalls the spirituality and simplicity of the Poor Man of Assisi, who stayed in this place several times.
From the sanctuary, the road gradually becomes easier and, after about three kilometres on the flat, leads towards Rieti. You then enter the town itself, until you reach the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, marking the end of this stage.
The route, about 18 km long, connects two of the most important sanctuaries in the Franciscan Valley, alternating paved stretches with secondary roads and paths. Travelling in this direction, it takes the pilgrim from the forests and convents of Poggio Bustone into the historic heart of Rieti, passing through some of the most significant places of Franciscan spirituality.
