From Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis, on a discovery hike to less-known places where some of the most important episodes of Francis’ spiritual life took place. The destination is Foligno. Leave Assisi through Porta Perlici to the Eremo delle Carceri nestled in the woods of Mt. Subasio. Continue along a narrow, rock and dirt trail that winds through the pristine heart of Subasio Regional Park. Silence and sound, light and shade, city and nature, this is one of the most difficult yet beautiful parts of the route. You need to be fit to face the first part, but once you reach the top and look out over the lovely valley below you will be struck by the utter enormity of space, and this pleasant feeling will linger in your mind for the rest of the journey. The walk continues through woods of oak trees along the side of the mountain, you will be delighted and tired all at once. When it begins to slope downwards to the valley you’ll walk through olive groves until you reach Spello, at the southern edge of Subasio. Walk through town and exit through Porta Consolare, one of several Roman landmarks that have been preserved over the centuries. The street that leads to Foligno is paved, and once there you’ll find that the residents are frank and pleasant, happy to welcome you to their city with gracious cordiality.