Sunset over the town of Assisi, with a stunning view of the illuminated Basilica of St. Francis dominating the landscape.
Walking paths

The via Lauretana

Marching through nature and spirit, travelling through an open-air museum of places, artistic treasures and landscapes.

The Via Lauretana connects two “monumental” pilgrimage destinations: Assisi and Loreto. It is a Marian route that originally began in Rome, marking the start of the pilgrimage journey to the Sanctuary of the Holy House of Mary in Loreto.

Today, the route starts in Assisi and, stretching between Umbria and Marche, spans 150 km, forming an open-air museum of sites and landscapes.

The path is divided into seven stages of about 20 km each, which can be split or customized at one’s discretion, based on individual preferences and timing. It is recommended to embark on the journey in spring or autumn, the best seasons for a walking adventure in nature.

This itinerary describes the two stages that pass through the Umbrian territory.

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Technical details of the route
Sections of the path
Stage 1 - Assisi to Spello
Abbey of San Benedetto al Subasio
The first stage is about 13 km long, taking just under 4 hours to walk. The route is simple and accessible to everyone. The lack of significant elevation changes makes it an enjoyable stroll in nature.
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Stage 4 - Spello to Colfiorito
Panoramic view of the town of Spello at sunset, with the ancient historic center framed by bell towers rising among the houses.
The most challenging stage of the entire route, stretching 29 km with an elevation gain nearing 900 meters. Suitable for experienced hikers, it offers the chance to visit the charming town of Spello, hermitages surrounded by nature, and to walk through forests and highland pastures of the Colfiorito plateau, while enjoying stunning views.
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Stage 1 - Assisi to Spello
Technical details of the section
Travel time
On foot
3 hours 31 minutes
Length
12, 6 Km
Difficulty
Easy, suitable for everyone
Height difference graph
  • Positive elevation : + 210 m
  • Negative elevation : - 243 m
Last updated on:
14 gen 2025
Difficulties along the route

Pay attention to the trail, as it’s not always clearly marked. Restoration works are underway to install wooden trail markers and informational totems for better orientation.

Photos
Notes on technical features

Surface: Dirt road

Signage: Wooden trail markers and totems with detailed information about the route, enriched with historical and cultural insights about the area.

 

Description
The first stage is about 13 km long, taking just under 4 hours to walk. The route is simple and accessible to everyone. The lack of significant elevation changes makes it an enjoyable stroll in nature.

The itinerary begins in the town of Assisi, starting at the Basilica of St. Francis. Passing through the historic center, it leads to the Basilica di Santa Chiara (Basilica of St. Clare), then to Porta Nuova, from where the town is left behind.


Located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Assisi, the route offers unmissable landmarks, including the two Basilicas (St. Francis and St. Clare), the Cathedral of San Rufino, and, in the central Piazza del Comune, the Palazzo dei Priori (Palace of the Priors),  the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo (Captain of the People’s Palace), and the Temple of Minerva.
Leaving the town via Porta Nuova, the route follows Provincial Road 147 of San Benedetto.
A 3 km detour allows visitors to reach the Abbey of San Benedetto al Subasio.
The main path continues over approximately 10 km, taking about 3 hours, with a maximum ascent of 210 meters.The trail provides stunning views of the slopes of Mount Subasio, surrounded by coppice woods and olive groves. Along the way, it alternates between paved and dirt roads.


It follows Via Borghettaccio and Via Fonte l’Abate. At the junction with Via Fosso di San Bernardo, the path takes the dirt road towards Via Renaro, merging into Via degli Ulivi.
The final stretch, about 3 km long, skirts Mount Subasio and leads to Spello. The picturesque village is entered through Porta Montanara.
Before departing, consult detailed information available on the official website and app for the Via Lauretana pilgrimage routes: https://camminilauretani.eu.

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Stage 4 - Spello to Colfiorito
Technical details of the section
Travel time
On foot
6 hour 47 minutes
Length
28,5 Km
Degree of difficulty
hard
Height difference graph
  • Positive height difference : + 873 m
  • Negative height difference : - 397 m
Last updated on:
14 gen 2025
Difficulties along the route

Pay attention to the trail, as it’s not always clearly marked. Restoration works are underway to install wooden trail markers and informational totems for better orientation.

Photos
Notes on technical features

Surface: Dirt road.

Signage: Wooden trail markers and totems with detailed information about the route, enriched with historical and cultural insights about the area.

Description
The most challenging stage of the entire route, stretching 29 km with an elevation gain nearing 900 meters. Suitable for experienced hikers, it offers the chance to visit the charming town of Spello, hermitages surrounded by nature, and to walk through forests and highland pastures of the Colfiorito plateau, while enjoying stunning views.

The second stage, ideal for experienced hikers, is a demanding route of about 29 km, requiring eight hours of walking and involving an elevation gain of about 900 meters. 

Spello, he starting point, is worth a visit for its Roman and medieval remains and its artistic heritage, such as the Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore. Leaving the historic center through Via Brodolini, the route continues on dirt roads and less-traveled trails climbing into the Apennines.

Before beginning the ascent, a detour leads to Foligno, another town worth exploring, where you can visit landmarks like the Cattedrale di San Feliciano.

The effort is rewarded with breathtaking views: from the Spoleto Valley to Spello’s hills. The route passes through the quaint village of Treggio and, shortly before Pale, a short detour allows for a visit to the hermitage of Santa Maria di Giacobbe. Continuing, the route traverses cultivated fields, lush forests, and highland pastures, culminating at the Colfiorito Marsh, a treasure trove of biodiversity and natural beauty

Before completing the stage, a stop at the Church of Santa Maria di Plestia is highly recommended. This example of proto-Romanesque architecture straddles the border between Umbria and Marche, with the church building located in Serravalle di Chienti and its churchyard belonging to Foligno.


Before departing, consult detailed information available on the official website and app for the Via Lauretana pilgrimage routes: https://camminilauretani.eu/

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