La Via di Francesco: A Path of Pilgrimage and Discovery
La Via di Francesco is a long-distance walking route that winds through the central and eastern regions of Italy. For some, it is a Christian pilgrimage; for others, a cultural and physical adventure. For me, it was both.
The Way of Francis is not a single trail, but a network of paths once walked by Saint Francis of Assisi. Born into wealth in the hill town of Assisi (1181–1226), Francis initially sought fame and glory as a knight. But God had another plan. Stirred by a deep inner calling, Francis renounced all material possessions to live a life devoted entirely to God and the Gospel.
The route of La Via di Francesco follows in his footsteps — literally and spiritually. It passes through towns, forests, monasteries, and sanctuaries tied to the saint’s life and mission. The path is shaped by historical records preserved in churches, monasteries and farms, as well as by the writings of Francis and his early followers.
Today, pilgrims and adventurers alike can walk or bike the Way, choosing from several starting points. Most end their journey in either Assisi, Francis’s hometown, or Vatican City in Rome.
To plan your own pilgrimage, visit the official website viadifrancesco.it, where you’ll find maps, GPX files, and detailed route information.
How I Chose the Way of Francis
For many years, I dreamed of completing the Camino de Santiago — the famed pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Saint James in Spain. In early 2023, I began seriously researching the route. But as I read more, I realized I didn’t want to walk among crowds. If I ever had the chance, I wanted solitude. I wanted space to think and pray.
I don’t remember exactly how I discovered the Way of Francis, but as soon as I read about it, I knew: this was the journey I was meant to take.
My husband had a work trip scheduled in Tuscany for the fall of 2023, and I joined him. We extended our stay with a short pilgrimage and several breathtaking hikes in the Dolomites. But throughout the trip, my mind was elsewhere: planning, preparing, and learning. I figured out the important challenge of managing my vegan and allergy-friendly diet. I felt safe and comfortable wherever we walked. We even explored parts of the Via di Francesco along the way.
My purpose for walking the Way of Francis was deeper than adventure.
For two years, I had felt a calling from God—one I didn’t understand. There was a longing in my heart and, gradually, a growing sense of peace and confidence. I knew it was time.
Time to walk.
Time to listen.
Time to grow.
The pilgrimage would test my body and mind—but more importantly, it would give me space to walk alone with God. I set out not just to complete a trail, but to better understand His call… and my path forward.
A Journey of Transformation
I invite you to read my posts about this journey. I should probably go back and edit each one to improve the storytelling—but I’m not going to. Why? Because it’s important for you, the reader, to witness the transformation as it happened.
In the beginning, I wrote about the basics: what I saw, where I was, and when. When my husband returned to the United States and I was truly alone, I began to write more honestly — about my emotions. And finally, I began to write about my faith.
I walked for 27 days. I don’t even know how many miles I covered — an irony that makes me laugh. I’m someone who normally tracks every single mile of every trail I’ve hiked. I’m a “completer,” always checking trails off a list. But the Via di Francesco is not just a trail. It’s a life journey.
Based on my planning maps—and the countless side trips to monasteries and hill towns — I walked over 400 miles. But more than distance, this walk was about change.
Want to learn more about the journey? Click the link below and walk it with me – from the beginning …
Via di Francesco: The Beginning
Our Via di Francesco adventure: the prep days plus our walk from Firenze (Florence) to Consuma, Italy.
Interested in reading my faith story that led me to the Way of Francis?
Read it on HolySpiritFruit.com, the website born out of my pilgrimage experience.
