Stage 12: Poreta - Trevi

The Way of St Francis continues on the hills overlooking the Spoleto Valley, through olive groves protected by dry-stone walls.

This stage is 12 km long, but the numerous climbs and descents may slow you down. You walk mainly on unpaved roads surrounded by a landscape of olive trees, with some stretches on minor roads.

Along the way, you come to the village of Campello Alto with its characteristic walls. Here stands the convent of the Barnabite Fathers, dedicated to meditation and silence.

You continue uphill along a stony road that climbs steeply among the olive trees to the Franciscan Hermitage of the Allodole, where a Franciscan community lives according to the rule of their founder, Sister Maria. Beyond the gate, there is a small wood, and the hermitage and cave, where legend has it that Francis came. (Please respect the times of silence and prayer).

The trail continues with various ups and downs, until you can see the village of Bovara in the distance, and the Church of St Peter, where 'Fra' Pacifico' had his vision.

You continue uphill to Trevi, perched on a hill.

Before reaching the village, the Church of Our Lady of Tears is worth a stop.

The ancient village is also worth a visit, in particular the St Francis Museum Complex, which houses the Museum of the Civilisation of the Olive, the Archaeological Museum, the church with a splendid 16th-century organ, and an art gallery, where you can admire a touching Madonna and Child by Pinturicchio.