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Stage along the route via Passo della Consuma
Towards the Sacred Mountain, through the Valle Santa—a wild and rugged valley offering landscapes unlike any other in the Casentino. A striking alternation of meadows, ravines, and narrow gorges, this land is scattered with historical and religious landmarks.
Shortly after leaving Badia Prataglia, the route crosses the Traccia della Madonna, a mysterious and legendary imprint of the Virgin on the rock. The path then leads through small yet evocative hamlets such as Frassineta, home to the charming little church of Sant’Egidio, where the Madonna of the Seven Swords and the Seven Sorrows is venerated, and Rimbocchi, near which the geological formations known as the Marmitte dei Giganti create a breathtaking natural spectacle.
This stage is not only a feast for the eyes but also for the palate. Travelers who enjoy combining hiking with fine food will find a culinary delight in this area, where the renowned tortelli alla lastra have been prepared for centuries. Traditional food products such as bread, sweets, and artisanal biscuits from Rimbocchi further enrich the experience.
Surrounded by the monumental forest, the Franciscan Sanctuary of La Verna emerges with all its charm and mysticism, perched atop a rocky spur at over 1,100 meters in altitude, on the southern slopes of Monte Penna. A place of peace and spirituality, deeply immersed in nature, it is here that, on September 14, 1224, Saint Francis is believed to have received the stigmata.
