Stage 10: Ceselli - Spoleto

A challenging stage of about 15 km, this is among the most beautiful on the Way of St Francis.

From the narrow, green valley of the River Nera, you pass into the sun-drenched Spoleto valley to reach Spoleto, a city of art. It has a magnificent cathedral, where the handwritten letter of Francis of Assisi is kept. You start from Ceselli and after crossing the Pontuglia Valley, you embark on a long, demanding eight-kilometre ascent up to the Castelmonte Pass. In some sections, the gradient is steep. Make sure to proceed at a slow, steady pace, enjoying the beauty of the woods and the splendid views of the Nera Valley.

The route passes through the streets of the 'ghost town' of Sensati.

Your arrival in the Sacred Forest of Monteluco, where the Hermitage of St Francis is located, is a foretaste of the joy of arriving in Assisi. The place is so full of charm that it deserves a pause for reflection, and a visit to the monastery's austere cells. From here, the route is downhill, as far as Spoleto.

The path is dotted with pretty shrines and numerous hermitages, originally inhabited by Syrian anchorites: the Hermitage of St Jerome, the Hermitage of the Graces, and the Church of St Paul the First Hermit. The descent is at times steep, on large, wide steps.

At the end, you reach the bridge called Ponte delle Torri, which connects the city to its forest - you may feel a sense of vertigo as you cross it.

On reaching the foot of the Rocca Albornoziana, in a few steps you reach Spoleto Cathedral, with its magnificent façade. One of the very rare handwritten letters of St Francis is kept here.

This city, formerly the capital of the Lombard Duchy, is worth a visit for its rich heritage of art and historic buildings