Stage 21: Spoleto - Ceselli

One of the more difficult legs of the route for the steep ascents early on. But the efforts of this 17 km stretch are well worth it for the marvels along the way: the Ponte delle Torri bridge, the Monteluco hermitage and the valley of the Nera River, known as the Valnerina.

The walk takes you through nature in the Spoleto valley, the Valnerina and the Nera River. It’s a mountainous stretch with plenty of uphill, but well worth it for the peace and spirituality of Monteluco’s Sacred Woods and the numerous peaceful Franciscan hermitages that seem to take the edge off the fatigue.

Make sure you bring plenty of water with you. This leg of your journey is one of those you’ll remember forever. Go to the Rocca Albornoziana fortress and, as you walk over its belvedere, you’ll find yourself uttering - like Francis did - Nihil iucundius vidi valle mea spoletana (or “I’ve never seen anything more beautiful than the Valley of Spoleto).

Cross the Ponte delle Torri bridge, a grand aqueduct that links the city to the Sacred Woods of Monteluco, and then go uphill through a dense wood of ageless oak trees.

The Romans named it the Sacred Woods and in the 5º century AD Monteluco was home to a colony of hermits from Syria. St. Francis spent long periods of time here, and, being one of his favourite places, he also built a monastery here.

The place has a soul of its own, one that makes it truly unique, and a stop here is a must. Continue over the trail until you reach the fork at Castel del Monte, the highest point, after which you descend through woods and past hidden hermitages towards the Nera River valley until you get to Ceselli.