PATH 51 FRANCISCAN ITINERARY

- Climb 657 M 
- Gradient descent 635m
- Distance 20 km
- Time 7h

This route, very interesting in terms of nature, was the way took by St. Francis when he came back from Nocera Umbra just before dying. From our hotel go through Porta Cappuccini and walk through the pinewood (here you can visit Rocca Minore) until you get to a picnic area. After a small fountain, go to the left into the woods of conifers and hardwoods. Where the forest is less dense, you can admire the river Tescio valley and Col Caprile. After a stone cave you’ll reach the road called “strada provinciale 249 Assisi-Spello” near “Costa di Trex”.

After nearly 1,5 km leave the paved road and descend to Ponte Marchetto. The trail continues through meadows and woods until you get to Mortarone, where you can see the fortress of Assisi and the eastern slope of Mount Subasio. Continue for nearly 1 km along the dirt road that leads to Pian della Pieve. The track on the right leads to a small chapel located at the point where once stood the Castle of Satriano, which was destroyed during the fighting between the Guelphs and Ghibellines. St. Francis was welcomed here with the horsemen who brought him back to Assisi and this event is still remembered in September with the famous Ride of Satriano. After about 3.5 km you’ll reach Nocera Umbra.