Via di Francesco - St Francis' Way - Southern Way from Roma to Assisi
Stage 11 - from Spoleto to Poreta
From Spoleto to Poreta, you walk amidst the olive trees of the Umbrian hills, which inspired St Francis' love of nature.
This is a simple leg of the journey, about 15 km long. You will be walking through the Spoleto countryside, dominated by the expanses of olive trees that entirely cover the hills. Some effort is needed going uphill, but your hard work will be rewarded by the beauty of the landscape.From
Spoleto
To
Poreta
Distance
15,55 Km
Increase in altitude
+ 700
Loss of altitude
- 745
Surface
gravel road-tarmac
Road Sign
yes (vertical and horizontal yellow-blue signs)
Travel time
6 hours
Water sources
yes
Resting areas
yes
Degree of difficulty
medium
This leg is simple at the beginning, but with some steep slopes. Departing from the Cathedral of Spoleto, leaving the old town centre behind, you walk along the Via delle Mura Ciclophiche (Cyclopean Walls). In the first stretch, we recommend you make a short detour and visit the Basilica of San Salvatore, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Property, as an exceptional example of artistic heritage from the Lombard period. The path continues on along secondary roads fortified by oak trees, thus leaving the city traffic behind and entering into the countryside. The landscape has changed: from the wooded mountains of the Valnerina valley, you are now walking on flat ground, alongside the slopes of olive groves, on which you can see Trevi and Assisi, while on the opposite side you can see the Martani mountains and the town of Montefalco.
The uphill climb begins, towards the villages of Eggi and Bazzano, Lower and Upper, where tables and benches invite you stop for a refreshing break. You walk downhill and through the fields and meadows and following the signposts alongside a large forest of Aleppo pines. It is a pleasant walk along an easy trail and, in the distance, you can see the bell tower of the church of Poreta. Once you have reached the tarmac road, you need to pay attention: the signs tell you to go uphill to the right to get to the castle of Poreta, which deserves a visit due to the splendid view. Alternatively, without paying attention to the signs, you can go left, downhill in the direction of the bell tower, and you will soon reach the lower part of Poreta.
The uphill climb begins, towards the villages of Eggi and Bazzano, Lower and Upper, where tables and benches invite you stop for a refreshing break. You walk downhill and through the fields and meadows and following the signposts alongside a large forest of Aleppo pines. It is a pleasant walk along an easy trail and, in the distance, you can see the bell tower of the church of Poreta. Once you have reached the tarmac road, you need to pay attention: the signs tell you to go uphill to the right to get to the castle of Poreta, which deserves a visit due to the splendid view. Alternatively, without paying attention to the signs, you can go left, downhill in the direction of the bell tower, and you will soon reach the lower part of Poreta.
What you should know before departure
Sources
There are water fountains in Spoleto, Eggi, Bazzano Superiore, Poreta. Remember to fill your water bottle with at least 1.5 litres of water in the summer.
There are water fountains in Spoleto, Eggi, Bazzano Superiore, Poreta. Remember to fill your water bottle with at least 1.5 litres of water in the summer.
Intermediate legs
There are resting areas where you can stop and take a regenerative break or find accommodation and shorten this leg of the journey.
There are resting areas where you can stop and take a regenerative break or find accommodation and shorten this leg of the journey.
Suggestions
In Eggi, the church of San Michele Arcangelo, along the way, contains precious frescoes and offers a silent place in which you can meditate. From Spoleto to Poreta, as far as Assisi, you cross through the “Fascia olivata” (strip of land full of olive groves), one of the most beautiful rural landscapes in Italy. We recommend that you have the maps of the trail with you. Simplified maps can be downloaded by clicking on the online map. Remember to always have a small supply of food with you (fruit, dried fruit, chocolate, energy bars, something energy-giving in general).
In Eggi, the church of San Michele Arcangelo, along the way, contains precious frescoes and offers a silent place in which you can meditate. From Spoleto to Poreta, as far as Assisi, you cross through the “Fascia olivata” (strip of land full of olive groves), one of the most beautiful rural landscapes in Italy. We recommend that you have the maps of the trail with you. Simplified maps can be downloaded by clicking on the online map. Remember to always have a small supply of food with you (fruit, dried fruit, chocolate, energy bars, something energy-giving in general).
Information (e.g. how to get there using public transport)
IAT (Tourist Information) Office – Tourist Information
Address: Largo Ferrer, 6 (C.so Mazzini) - 06049 Spoleto (PG)
Phone: 0743 218620/21 - Fax 0743 218641
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
IAT (Tourist Information) Office – Tourist Information
Address: Largo Ferrer, 6 (C.so Mazzini) - 06049 Spoleto (PG)
Phone: 0743 218620/21 - Fax 0743 218641
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.