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Stage along the route via Caprese Michelangelo
After the Franciscan Sanctuary of La Verna, a mystical place where nature meets faith, the journey crosses Chiusi della Verna, the last village of Casentino, marking the entrance into the Valtiberina.
Amid the green mountains covered with centuries-old beech forests, a clearing opens up to reveal a small chapel with a hermitage that, over the centuries, has hosted pilgrims and travelers: the hermitage of Casella. Built on top of Mount Foresto in memory of Saint Francis' last farewell to La Verna, it is a place of quiet solitude and contemplation, set in an exceptionally beautiful natural backdrop.
Immersed in the scenic landscapes of Alpe di Catenaia, the path reaches Caprese Michelangelo, the heart of the so-called "small valley of God," known for the peaceful solitude and spirituality that fills the valley. In competition with Chiusi della Verna as Michelangelo Buonarroti's birthplace, Caprese Michelangelo was officially recognized as the birthplace of the great artist in 1875. The ancient castle in the village houses the artist's birthplace and the Michelangelo Museum. Numerous valuable religious buildings are scattered around the village, and the area is also known for its authentic flavors, such as the DOP chestnuts harvested from its beautiful chestnut groves and the products of the undergrowth, including mushrooms and truffles, which are used in traditional recipes, offering a delightful way to end the stage.
