The itinerary begins in Città di Castello, the gateway to the north-western part of the region. Visit its historic centre, characterized by elegant Renaissance architecture, and be sure to see the masterpieces preserved in the municipal art gallery of Palazzo Vitelli, with works by Signorelli, Raphael and Ghirlandaio, among others.
The first stop, after only a few kilometres, takes you to the Hermitage of Buonriposo, a stop on the St. Francis Way because, in this place surrounded by greenery, the saint found spiritual rest in his travels to La Verna. It is particularly moving to visit the room in which St. Francis lived in 1213; you can still see the simple church with its altar and choir, the refectory, the small cloister and the Cave of the Devil, where Francis was repeatedly tempted by demonic apparitions.
Continue your journey towards Città di Castello and, after about thirty kilometres, you will find the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Belvedere, built at the end of the 17th century. The Sanctuary venerates an ancient image of the Madonna. As its name suggests, a visit to the monastery is also recommended by virtue of the panorama that can be enjoyed from its position, which offers a unique view of Città di Castello and its bell towers, and also the Upper Tiber Valley, from Mount Verna to Mount Acuto.