excursion by bike on via di francesco from the verna to assisi

Via di Francesco - St Francis' Way - Northern Way from La Verna to Assisi

Stage 1 - from La Verna to Citerna

This is the first leg of the St Francis' Way, from the Eremo di La Verna in Tuscany you cross into Umbria

The first leg of the St Francis' Way begins at the Eremo di La Verna hermitage and leads, 50 km later, to Citerna. Before you set off, make sure you get your Pilgrim’s Credential, an especially designed booklet in which to collect stamps and add mementoes of your journey.
To discover and learn more about the stages of the Ways of Saint Francis in Tuscany:
Ways of Saint Francis in Tuscany - Click here
From
La Verna (Arezzo)
To
Citerna
Distance
55 Km
Height differences
500 meters
Surface
tarmac - dirt road
Road Sign
no
Recommended Bike
hybrid, gravel, ebike
Water sources
yes (La Verna, Pieve Santo Stefano, Sansepolcro, Fighille)

Degree of difficulty
 
  medium-challenging
La Verna is not just the starting point of the St Francis' Way, it is one of the journey’s holiest and most powerful sites. We suggest you spend a day here preparing yourself spiritually before you leave, going to the places from which St Francis drew so much inspiration.
Travelling over the St Francis' Way is also a great way to get to know the people, the landmarks, works of art and the history of the places he spent time in, so we suggest you travel slowly, enjoy each stop and soak up the innate spirituality.
Make sure you pick up your Pilgrim’s Credential in which to collect stamps and add mementoes of your journey. The day’s first leg will take you from Tuscany into Umbria, along a relatively easy route that is mostly downhill or flat until Pieve Santo Stefano where a series of ascents and descents begin that lead you to Sansepolcro, and then to the final 3 km uphill stretch to the town of Citerna. It’s a really great way to get into the mood of the St Francis' Way without too much difficulty, to prepare yourself physically, and spiritually, for the greater effort that will be required of you in the days to come. The route today goes over roads with minor traffic and you’ll be pedalling surrounded by the natural beauty of the woods that around La Verna and Montedoglio Lake, an artificial basin along the Tiber. You will also get a chance to take in some art and culture in the towns you pass through: Pieve Santo Stefano, Sansepolcro and Citerna.
What you should know before departure
Sources 
There are water fountains in La Verna, where you will be able to get a supply of water for the leg of the journey, Pieve Santo Stefano and Sansepolcro. In the summer, we advise you to travel with two water bottles or a water reservoir.
Intermediate stages 
This first leg of the route is a long one but without any significant difficulties, with the exception of the last few kilometres of uphill. It’s the beginning so there are no intermediary stops scheduled. There are two nice places to take a break and catch your breath: Pieve Santo Stefano and Sansepolcro.
Suggestions
IThe first part of the day’s journey is all downhill, so if you leave early in the morning make sure to don an extra jacket so you don’t catch cold. For the rest, use your store of energy prudently as you progress over the ascents and descents around Lake Montedoglio so that your legs will hold up under the effort of the final ascent to Citerna. The stage is long enough, so don't forget to take a small food supply with you (fruit, dried fruit, chocolate, energy bars, mineral salts if it's very hot)
Information (e.g. how to get there using public transport)
Infopoint Discover Arezzo

Address: Via Giorgio Vasari, 13
 - Arezzo (AR) 

10:00 - 18:00

Phone +39 0575 377468
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Public Information and Tourist Office Città di Castello
Address: Piazza Matteotti - Logge Bufalini - 06012 Città di Castello
Phone: 0758554922 - Fax 0758552100
Branch Office: Umbertide
Phone and Fax 0759417099
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
la verna sanctuary Franciscan northern way of san francesco cycling

Northern Way - Cycling stages

the via di francesco northern way cycling

Northern Way

From La Verna to Assisi

<< all the stages

m excursion by bike via di francesco from la verna to assisi

Stage 1

From La Verna to Citerna

m path by bike on via francigena di francesco di assisi

Stage 2

From Citerna to Pietralunga

stage next >>

 
Tags: CyclingAll the directionsNorthern WayAll the directionsNorthern WayMediumChallengingCiternaLa VernaCiternaLa Verna

There are different forms of hospitality available to those who are walking

  • cammino di francesco unione europea
  • cammino di francesco repubblica italiana
  • cammino di francesco regione umbria
  • la via di francesco cammini europa
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