Читать книгу The Way of St Francis. Via di Francesco: From Florence to Assisi and Rome онлайн

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Recreational tourists far outnumber pilgrim walkers on these mountain trails, but pilgrims benefit from an infrastructure of economical lodging and services. The route at times treads portions of other important trail routes – the Grande Escursione Appenninica, the Sentiero Italia, the Cammino di San Vicino, and the lush and beautiful Sentiero delle Foreste Sacre near La Verna.

Hermits, monks and friars – travelers along the active and cloistered walks toward God – can be found along these trails at two of Italy’s most revered religious communities. Eremo Camaldoli has been home to monks for nearly 1000 years, while this section’s end point, Santuario della Verna, is an active Franciscan community inaugurated by St Francis himself. Pilgrims may want to plan an extra night here to enjoy Franciscan hospitality, visit the many chapels and monuments, and spend extra hours in contemplation at one of Italy’s most holy sites.

STAGE 1

Florence to Pontassieve

Start Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence Finish Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, Pontassieve Distance 18.9km Total ascent 494m Total descent 450m Difficulty Easy Duration 4¾hrs Note Santa Croce doesn’t open until 9.30am so you should visit its bookshop the day before to acquire the stamp for your credential.

Memories of Renaissance masterpieces fade quickly as this stage travels along quiet bends of the scenic Arno River and briefly among olive groves before coming to modern, but charming Pontassieve.