The Cammino di San Francesco from Rimini to La Verna retraces some of the places visited by the Saint during his journey in the Marecchia Valley in 1213. This route, which takes approximately five days of walking, leads from Rimini into the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines, following the Marecchia River valley, still characterized by ancient forests, fortified villages, historic churches, ridges, and spectacular views. Along the way, walkers encounter numerous convents and sites that embody Franciscan faith and peace, such as the Convent of the Convento dei Frati Minori in Verrucchio, home to the centuries-old cypress of San Francesco, the Convent of Sant’Igne, founded in 1244 in the woods at the foot of the San Leo cliff, and the Convent of the Clarisse and Frati Minori in Sant’Agata Feltria.
The path passes through historic fortified villages like San Leo, where Count Orlando Cattani gifted St. Francis with Mount La Verna. In addition to the main route, the path offers two alternative Franciscan trails: the San Marino variant and the Santarcangelo variant, which cross natural and historic landscapes and provide Franciscan hospitality. In the winter season, there is also a winter option, known as the Balze Variant, allowing hikers to bypass the more challenging or snowy sections of the last stage.
The Cammino recovers ancient travel routes and connects at La Verna with other Central Italian trails dedicated to San Francesco, forming a single national route that continues to Roma.