Stage 4: Leonessa - Poggio Bustone

This stage, which runs from Leonessa to Poggio Bustone through the imposing beech forests of the Reatini Mountains, reaches the maximum height of 1,500 metres, offering a stunning panorama. Not to be missed are the Prati di San Bartolomeo, a wide pasture where an ancient oratory once stood. At the crossing point, we find a boundary stone, which, until 1861, marked the border between the Kingdom of Naples and the Papal State, as well as the Petrinara Spring, the only source along the stage. We continue towards Poggio Bustone, the hometown of the famous singer-songwriter Lucio Battisti, and visit the Convent of San Giacomo, built on the caves where San Francesco d’Assisi used to retreat in solitude and prayer. In the nearby Sacro Speco, the cave of revelations, San Francesco obtained forgiveness from God for his sins of youth. From here, a wonderful view rewards us after our steep climb.