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Connecting stage between La Verna-Anghiari and the Via di Francesco in Umbria
The route intersects at Bertine, between Sansepolcro and Anghiari, before winding along the Tuscan-Umbrian border, involving both regions before finally entering Umbrian territory.
In just a few steps, the border is crossed, revealing the beautiful Umbrian hills, a sacred site, the Monastery of the Holy Crucifix and Saint Mary, where, according to legend, Saint Francis would have preached in front of an image of the crucifix, and one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages, Citerna.
Nestled on a hill, Citerna is a village of captivating beauty and places connected to Saint Francis. Miraculous events attributed to the saint took place here, while the church dedicated to him houses a rich collection of sacred art, including the Madonna and Child in terracotta by Donatello. To this day, the nuns of the Third Order of Saint Francis continue their work at the Monastery of Saint Elizabeth, an oasis of peace and faith within the medieval village.
A brief Umbrian interlude before returning to Tuscany and the art and nature of Monterchi. Built on an isolated hill, Monterchi is known for being one of the places associated with Piero della Francesca, who left one of his masterpieces here, the Madonna del Parto, preserved in the Chapel of Santa Maria a Momentana, at the gates of the village.
Among the lush hilly landscapes of the Valtiberina, just beyond the rural church of Saints Sisto and Apollinare in Petretole, the Tuscan section of the Via di Francesco concludes as it joins the Umbrian route.
The stage continues to Città di Castello (follow the directions in stage 11b, Citerna Monterchi - Città di Castello).
