The stage from Configni to Greccio crosses one of the most evocative stretches of the Way of St Francis, in the heart of the Rieti Sacred Valley. The route winds through the hills of the Lazio Apennines, amid forests, olive groves and country lanes immersed in a quiet and unspoilt landscape.
Arriving in Greccio leads you to the famous Sanctuary of Greccio, a symbolic Franciscan site, where St Francis of Assisi created the first live nativity scene in 1223. Along the way, you will encounter tiny churches, stone-built villages and ancient trails that preserve the historical legacy of the area.
From an ethno-anthropological point of view, this stage tells the story of the rural culture of the Sabine area and the Holy Valley, famed for its production of olive oil, traditional cuisine and local religious traditions that still thrive in these communities.
This stretch of the Way of St Francis is ideal for those looking for a slow and immersive walk that combines spirituality and nature with cultural heritage. In this stage, the Tiberina branch comes to an end as it joins the Salaria branch.
The stage now continues towards Terni (follow the directions given in stage 6b Greccio – Terni of the Way of St Francis from Rome to Assisi – Salaria branch)