pilgrimage and Self seeking on track of francesco of assisi

From Greccio to Rieti, a walk dotted with hermitages and abbeys to reach the heart of the Holy Valley.

Stage 15C - Alternative route through Terni - from Greccio to Rieti

Description

Walking
The 24 km walk includes up and downhill stretches with a stop at the Franciscan Sanctuary of Fonte Colombo.

From

Greccio

To

Rieti

Distance

23,45 Km

Increase in altitude

+ 770

Loss of altitude

- 1.020

Surface

tarmac-dirt road

Road Sign

yes

Travel time

8 hours

Water sources

yes

Resting areas

yes

Degree of difficulty

challenging

Leave the Franciscan sanctuary headed towards the town of Greccio. Once you are out, head downhill to get to the Cistercian abbey of San Pastore (now a privately owned building) to admire its beauty from the outside. The walk then continues over an easy path through nature until you get to the more modern part of the town of Contigliano. The historical centre is a bit higher up and is well worth a visit. The route continues with ascents and descents until you reach the town of Piani di Poggio Fidoni, where you can treat yourself to a well-deserved break. From here you go uphill, so pace yourself carefully to reach the top of Colle Sant’Elia (649 m).The trail then goes downhill through a woods until you get to the Fonte Colombo sanctuary, one of the St Francis’ Way’s core places. Enjoy a break. From here it is all downhill until you reach the charming town of Rieti, a city steeped in history and home to fine works of art.

Sources
There are water sources fountains in Greccio, Contigliano, Piani di Poggio Fidoni, Colle Sant’Elia, Fonte Colombo and Rieti. Remember to fill your water bottle with at least 1.5 litres of water in the summer.

Intermediate stages
Possibility of accommodation or intermediate stays at Contigliano, Piani di Poggio Fidoni, Colle Sant’Elia.

Suggestions
The Fonte Colombo Sanctuary and Rieti are special places. Make sure you have plenty of time to visit them and enjoy the peacefulness you’ll find there.
Remember to bring food and water for lunch along the way.
We recommend that you have the maps of the trail with you. Simplified maps can be downloaded by clicking on the online map.

Information (e.g. how to get there using public transport)
Territorial Tourist Office of Rieti
Addres: Via Cintia, 87 Rieti
Phone: 0746 264106/8/0
Email: acolandrea@regione.lazio.it mpalazzoli@regione.lazio.it
Site: www.camminodifrancesco.it