Franciscan Trail
There is a rich and varied selection of trails that cross the Upper Tiber Valley. The Comunità Montana Alta Umbria and the CAI look after them. To the south of Città di Castello the route takes us through Monte Cedrone and Monte S.Maria to Marzana Abbey and Monte Favalto. Going east we reach the peaks of the Appenine mountain chain taking in Pietralunga and Monte Nerone. The north-westerly direction takes us to Monte Casale, the Alpe della Luna, Cerbaiolo hermitage and finally La Verna. This is where the Franciscan Trail begins. It is very well known to pilgrims who want to discover the places that inspired St Francis, but it is also appreciated by lovers of art, history and nature. The Franciscan trial starts at the La Verna shrine and in 16 legs crosses the region and comes to Greccio in the Reatino valley. The legs that interest us are the ones that go from Sansepolcro to Città di Castello and from Città di Castello to Pietralunga. They are two fairly difficult legs, each around 28 kilometres. From Sansepolcro we go to the Petriolo shrine at Fighille then on up to Citerna and from there to Celle. Then we go back down to San Lorenzo di Lerchi where we find the Parco di Archeologia Arborea and up once more to the Buon Riposo hermitage. From there we enter Città di Castello. Leaving Città di Castello behind we head for Sasso then Collevecchio and Candeggio. From there we go to Pieve de Saddi, on up to Candeleto and finally into Pietralunga. All this is quite hard work, but the pilgrims are enthusiastic about the old routes and enjoy seeing the rich woodlands; the ancient churches and farmhouses, the mountain streams and the breathtaking views.