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Via di Francesco - St Francis' Way - Northern Way from La Verna to Assisi
Stage 5 - from Valfabbrica to Perugia
The fifth leg of the Northern Way goes from Valfabbrica to the historical centre of Perugia, the capital city of the region of Umbria.
The fifth leg of the Northern Way goes from Valfabbrica to the historical centre of Perugia, a city steeped in art, culture and history. It’s a relatively short distance, and the only real difficulty hurdle is the final ascent into the heart of city.From
Valfabbrica
To
Perugia
Distance
28 Km
Height differences
400 meters
Surface
tarmac
Road Sign
No
Recommended Bike
hyrid, gravel, ebike
Water sources
yes (Valfabbrica, Pianello, Pretola, Perugia)
Degree of difficulty
medium
The fifth leg of the Northern Way will take you from Valfabbrica to Perugia, the capital of the Region of Umbria, a city steeped in art and culture that hosts events and festivals all year round.
Today’s stretch is not especially difficult, but after the workout of the past few days, you may feel it in your legs, even though you only have 28 kilometres to cover. Your time in the saddle will be shorter today and this will give you time to enjoy and explore the city, to relax and recover. Leave Valfabbrica and go to Pianello over an almost completely flat road that will warm and loosen your legs.
From Pianello the road begins to undulate a bit and takes you through the lovely green landscapes so typical of central Umbria, with wide open views all round. You will easily recognise the city of Assisi to your left, while Perugia stands out in front of you. Once you are past the towns of Ripa and Civitella d’Arna, there is a steep downhill stretch to Ponte Valleceppi and then Pretola, at the very feet of Perugia.
Take a short break here and refill your water bottles before you begin the ascent that leads directly to the heart of Perugia over the Via Eugubina. This route into town is one of the less difficult ones, the one with the least amount of car traffic and, although the first two kilometres are pretty steep, there are plenty of areas where it flattens out and lets you catch your breath. Once you reach Piazza Grimana, home to the Università per Stranieri (University for Foreigners) you only have one last uphill to face before you reach Piazza Morlacchi and then, through the traffic free zone, to the very heart of town: Palazzo dei Priori, the Fontana Maggiore and the Cathedral.
Today’s stretch is not especially difficult, but after the workout of the past few days, you may feel it in your legs, even though you only have 28 kilometres to cover. Your time in the saddle will be shorter today and this will give you time to enjoy and explore the city, to relax and recover. Leave Valfabbrica and go to Pianello over an almost completely flat road that will warm and loosen your legs.
From Pianello the road begins to undulate a bit and takes you through the lovely green landscapes so typical of central Umbria, with wide open views all round. You will easily recognise the city of Assisi to your left, while Perugia stands out in front of you. Once you are past the towns of Ripa and Civitella d’Arna, there is a steep downhill stretch to Ponte Valleceppi and then Pretola, at the very feet of Perugia.
Take a short break here and refill your water bottles before you begin the ascent that leads directly to the heart of Perugia over the Via Eugubina. This route into town is one of the less difficult ones, the one with the least amount of car traffic and, although the first two kilometres are pretty steep, there are plenty of areas where it flattens out and lets you catch your breath. Once you reach Piazza Grimana, home to the Università per Stranieri (University for Foreigners) you only have one last uphill to face before you reach Piazza Morlacchi and then, through the traffic free zone, to the very heart of town: Palazzo dei Priori, the Fontana Maggiore and the Cathedral.
What you should know before departure
Sources
There are sources of water at Valfabbrica, where you will be able to get a supply of water for the leg of the journey, then to Pianello, Pretola before starting the final climb and Perugia. In the summer, we advise you to travel with two water bottles or a water reservoir.
There are sources of water at Valfabbrica, where you will be able to get a supply of water for the leg of the journey, then to Pianello, Pretola before starting the final climb and Perugia. In the summer, we advise you to travel with two water bottles or a water reservoir.
Intermediate stages
This stretch of the journey is relatively short and the only real hurdle is the last part leading into the centre of Perugia. If you feel tired, take a break at Pretola before attempting the final uphill battle. Fill your water bottles and stretch your legs a bit along the banks of the Tiber here.
This stretch of the journey is relatively short and the only real hurdle is the last part leading into the centre of Perugia. If you feel tired, take a break at Pretola before attempting the final uphill battle. Fill your water bottles and stretch your legs a bit along the banks of the Tiber here.
Suggestion
The day’s ride is an easy one, with the exception of a brief uphill section to Ripa, and winds through the verdant hills on the outskirts of Perugia, just before the final ascent into town. Seeing as you have been on the road for several days now, we suggest you start slowly so that you have enough energy to get to Perugia without too much of an effort. The last ascent is long, but not especially steep, with plenty of flat stretches to catch your breath. Don't forget to take a small food supply with you (fruit, dried fruit, chocolate, energy bars, mineral salts if it's very hot).
The day’s ride is an easy one, with the exception of a brief uphill section to Ripa, and winds through the verdant hills on the outskirts of Perugia, just before the final ascent into town. Seeing as you have been on the road for several days now, we suggest you start slowly so that you have enough energy to get to Perugia without too much of an effort. The last ascent is long, but not especially steep, with plenty of flat stretches to catch your breath. 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)
Address: Public Information and Tourist Office Perugia
Piazza Matteotti, 18 - Loggia dei Lanari - 06100 Perugia
Phone: 0755736458 / 0755772686 - Fax 0755720988
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Administrative headquarters: Palazzo Penna (1° piano)
Address: Via Podiani 11 - 06100 Perugia
Phone: 0755773205 / 07550773208 / 0755772311 - Fax 075 5772844
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Address: Public Information and Tourist Office Perugia
Piazza Matteotti, 18 - Loggia dei Lanari - 06100 Perugia
Phone: 0755736458 / 0755772686 - Fax 0755720988
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Administrative headquarters: Palazzo Penna (1° piano)
Address: Via Podiani 11 - 06100 Perugia
Phone: 0755773205 / 07550773208 / 0755772311 - Fax 075 5772844
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Must-see
Northern Way - Cycling stages
