Stage 23.A: Arrone - Terni

From the Marmore Falls to the city of San Valentino, always following in the footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi. This leg is the first of the variant route of the Via di San Francesco towards Rome which takes you through the Holy Valley of Rieti passing through the Sanctuary of Greccio.

The subsequent stages are Terni - Stroncone - Greccio and Greccio - Rieti, where the variant joins the main route that arrives from Lake Piediluco and Poggio Bustone.

You leave Arrone following the main route of the Via di Francesco. After passing the convent of San Francesco you enter the characteristic town of Casteldilago.

The route is flat and runs along the Nera River. Pay attention to the crossroads where the route towards Piediluco continues slightly uphill, to follow the direction towards Terni. Near the ticket office of the Marmore waterfall, follow the direction towards San Liberatore. In truth, if you followed the SS 209 – Valnerina you would arrive in Terni, however the state road is heavily trafficked and with vehicles at high speeds.

The recommended route goes up the mountain in a constant climb, at times challenging up to the locality Saint Liberatore. It is advisable to tackle the climb at a slow pace, as the remaining part of the route is easier.

From San Liberatore a long downhill stretch begins along the secondary road.
After crossing the modern outskirts of Terni you reach the pleasant and vibrant historic centre of the city.