The path of Saint Francis
There’s something truly magical about the Marches region at Eastertime, especially if you follow in the footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi. Flanked by the Sibillini mountains, you can pass through charming villages like Sarnano and Amandola, stopping at spiritual sites that bear testimony to his journey. For example, in Roccabruna there’s a small monastery once inhabited by Saint Francis, or "the poor man of Assisi", and his devoted followers.
Immersed in the woods among the mysterious gorges of the Sibillini Mountains, you can visit the ruins of the Soffiano cave hermitage. Once inhabited by monks destined to become saints, such as San Liberato da Loro, the spiritual site is still occupied by monks to this very day.
Another hermitage is the Grotte dei Frati in Cessapalombo, one of the most inaccessible and remarkable cave hermitages known to man. From Pontelatrave, stop to admire the frescoed 14th-century church, monastery and nearby fountain (it’s said that Saint Francis caused the fountain’s waters to flow).
Next, you’ll come to the castle of Beldiletto and the circular Romanesque church of San Giusto, and then on to Camerino, a beautiful Ducal town rich in artistic treasures, including a Franciscan cross from the 13th century. Finally, don’t miss the Santa Chiara monastery which contains a shrine dedicated to the blessed Camilla Battista da Varano, an exceptional literary and reformist figure from the 15th century.
The Sanctuary of Loreto
Another religious center of great importance is the Sanctuary of Loreto, which contains relics from the Madonna confiscated during crusades to the Holy Land. The history of the Sanctuary dates back to the 13th century, when the Holy House inhabited by Virgin Mary of Nazareth and her family was enshrined in Loreto. For centuries it was one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Catholic world, visited by some 200 saints and various Popes. During the Easter period, the Sanctuary hosts several high masses and a Via Crucis.
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