This content was automatically translated. View the original text.
Leaving behind the more urbanized part of the route, this stage leads to San Leo, a place of inspiration for the Camino and one of the most visited villages in the Montefeltro region. From the Santa Croce convent, the route stays in the valley, or there is the option of a detour up to the beautiful historic center of Verucchio, set on a rocky promontory overlooking the Valmarecchia and dominated by the Malatesta fortress. The path follows the left bank of the Marecchia River for several kilometers, reaching the cliff of the Madonna di Saiano. Here, a short round-trip detour is well worth it, leading up to the small hermitage at the top. Depending on the season, you can either ford the river from here to continue on the right bank or follow the scenic ridge along the left side of the valley. From Ponte Santa Maria Maddalena, the route leaves the valley floor again, ascending along rural paths with sweeping views over the mid-to-upper valley, leading to the ancient convent of Sant'Igne, built on the site where Francesco and Brother Leone camped the night before entering San Leo—an essential stop for pilgrims as well.
Just a few more kilometers, offering breathtaking views of the cliff and the formidable fortress, you arrive in San Leo.
