Stage 7: Poggio Bustone - Piediluco

Setting off from the sanctuary of Poggio Bustone, after 22 km you will reach the lake of Piediluco. This leg of the journey is challenging because of the steep uphill stretch to the Faggio di San Francesco d'Assisi (St Francis Beech Tree).

The beauty of the grand tree and of the landscapes over the valley are a reward for your efforts. After leaving the Holy Valley, you set off from the Sanctuary of Poggio Bustone to enter into Umbria.

The difficulty of this leg of the journey is represented by the uphill climb, which is sometimes steep, to the St Francis Beech Tree, but it is rewarded by the mightiness of the ancient tree, at the foot of which you can take a break. It is said that, in this place, the Poor Man was suddenly caught in a bad storm. So Francis sought shelter under a beech tree, which miraculously bent its branches as if it were an umbrella.

Beyond the historical reliability of this fact, it is true that after the long climb, a pilgrim cannot resist taking a rest at the foot of this grand tree, as is shown by the numerous objects left on its branches.

As for the rest, the route takes you along pleasant trails and mule tracks accompanied by the splendid views of lakes Lungo and Ripasottile, on the Plain of Rieti.

Along the route, the little village of Labro is an excellent place in which to stop and rest. High up and in the distance, the castle of Piediluco appears, while the route continues on flat ground towards the village.

The Lake of Piediluco welcomes pilgrims and has been immortalized many times by the artists of the Grand Tour, while the Sanctuary preserves the memories of the passage of the Patron Saint of Italy and of ecology.