The itinerary begins in Città di Castello, the gateway to the north-western part of the region. Before setting off, take some time to explore its historic centre, characterised by elegant Renaissance architecture, and don’t miss the masterpieces housed in the Municipal Art Gallery at Palazzo Vitelli alla Cannoniera, with works ranging from Signorelli to Raphael and Ghirlandaio.
The first stop, just a few kilometres away, takes you to the Hermitage of Buon Riposo, a stage along the St Francis’ Way. Surrounded by greenery, this was a place where the saint found spiritual rest during his journeys to La Verna. It is particularly moving to discover the traces of the room where Saint Francis stayed in 1213. You can still see the simple little church with its altar and choir, the Saint’s room, the refectory, the small cloister and the Cave of the Devil, where, according to tradition, Francis was repeatedly tempted by demonic apparitions.
Continue your journey back towards Città di Castello and, after about thirty kilometres, you will reach the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Belvedere, built at the end of the 17th century. The Sanctuary houses a highly venerated ancient image of the Madonna. As its name suggests, the site is also worth visiting for the magnificent panorama from its elevated position, offering a unique view over Città di Castello and its bell towers, as well as the Upper Tiber Valley, stretching from Mount La Verna to Mount Acuto.
Just under thirty kilometres of Apennine roads separate the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Belvedere from the Abbey of San Benedetto Vecchio in Pietralunga. Its three-nave structure and original sculptural decorations are particularly fascinating. The abbey has undergone numerous alterations over the centuries, and the original three-nave basilica was partly modified at the front and along the left aisle. Today, the façade corresponds to the width of the central and right aisles, the latter having been converted into a sacristy.
