Stage 14.A: Foligno - Assisi (escursionistica)

Your destination is now very close. This challenging stage seems to encapsulate all the characteristics of the route travelled so far: demanding climbs, beautiful nature and wonderful landscapes.

The pilgrimage ends at the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi. The first part of the route, from Foligno to Spello, coincides with the Foligno - Assisi stage.

Exit Spello through Porta Montanara and continue along Via Bulgarella. After passing the water fountain, useful to fill your water bottle, you climb to the left on the dirt road. A long ascent begins, with steep sections, on which you should proceed at the slow pace of a pilgrim. The route is well-marked and continues along a dirt road surrounded by olive groves (watch out for the sun in summer).  

You climb up through the woods of Mount Subasio and reach the top of the great mountain, which offers one of the most beautiful views of the entire Way, as a reward for all your efforts.

From the summit, you descend towards the Carceri Hermitage, one of the places most dear to pilgrims. Reaching this place on foot offers a foretaste of the joy you will feel when you reach the Basilica.

The path continues on a descent that skirts the Rocca Minore di Assisi, known as Rocchicciola.

Once you reach Piazza Matteotti, you pass through the medieval streets of Assisi.

Access to the Tomb is through the large portal of the Lower Basilica of St Francis. Here, after many days of walking, you can finally put your rucksack down.  

This is the end of the pilgrimage. After visiting the Tomb of St Francis, you can celebrate the joy of your arrival.

There are many places associated with Francis in and around Assisi. You will need to stay for at least a day, to have time to visit them and meditate.