The Way of St Francis: Your Journey Begins Here
Stage 1 — Florence to Pontassieve. Leonardo's Rooms has welcomed pilgrims since 1994.
What is the Via di Francesco?
The Via di Francesco (Way of St Francis) is a pilgrimage route spanning approximately 562 km from Florence to Rome, passing through La Verna — where St Francis received the stigmata — and Assisi, his birthplace and resting place. The first section, Florence to La Verna, covers 99 km across 6 stages through the stunning Tuscan countryside, the Casentinesi Forests National Park, and ancient monasteries. Pontassieve marks the end of Stage 1 and the gateway from Renaissance Florence into the wild heart of Tuscany.
Leonardo's Rooms: We Are the Trail
Since 1994, Leonardo's Rooms has been more than accommodation — it is a safe harbour for pilgrims. When nobody knew these trails, we were already welcoming wayfarers. In 2020, Leonardo personally revised the official Stage 1 route to ensure a safe, scenic, and spiritually rewarding experience. We are the living link between the city and the forest, between the Renaissance and the wilderness.
Welcoming pilgrims since 1994
Official trail reviser — 2020
Authentic Tuscan hospitality
Stage 1: Florence to Pontassieve
18.9 km (11.7 mi)
Easy / Medium
Renaissance cityscape, Arno River, Tuscan olive groves
Your pilgrimage begins at the Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence. Follow the Arno River east for 6.5 km along peaceful gravel paths, then climb through hilly olive groves with panoramic views. The stage ends in Pontassieve, where Leonardo's Rooms awaits you.
✅ Highlights
- ✓Basilica di Santa Croce — get your first credential stamp
- ✓Arno River walk — 6.5 km of tranquil riverside path
- ✓Compiobbi — halfway point with café and train station
- ✓Castello di Nipozzano — Frescobaldi vineyards
- ✓Ponte Mediceo in Pontassieve
- ✓Leonardo's Rooms — credential stamp and warm welcome
🥾 Trail Guide
Leave Santa Croce and follow the Arno River for 6.5 km to the end of the Girone cycle path. IMPORTANT: After Girone, keep the railway on your right at all times. Do NOT take underpasses except at Sieci. Follow yellow Tau signs and red-white CAI markers. Compiobbi (9.3 km) has a café and train station if you need a break. At Sieci (12.8 km), the underpass is mandatory. Continue along the river to Pontassieve. Carry at least 1.5 litres of water.
Stage 2: Pontassieve to Consuma
From Pontassieve, the trail climbs 1,138 metres through vineyards, past Castello di Ferrano, and into the mystical Vallombrosa forest. 18.6 km of increasingly wild beauty leading to the Apennine gateway at Consuma.
All 6 Stages: Florence to La Verna (99 km)
Florence → Pontassieve
Arno River, olive groves, Renaissance to countryside
Pontassieve → Consuma
Vineyards, Castello di Ferrano, Vallombrosa forest
Consuma → Stia
Downhill forest walk into the charming town of Stia
Stia → Camaldoli
Casentinesi Forest, uphill to the monastery of Camaldoli
Camaldoli → Badia Prataglia
Fern forests through the Casentinesi National Park
Badia Prataglia → La Verna
Rocky mountain trails to the sacred Sanctuary of La Verna
Practical Information for Pilgrims
Best Time
Best months: April–June and September–October. Summer can be very hot on Stage 1 (little shade). Autumn offers cooler temperatures and beautiful colours.
Credentials
Get your pilgrim credential (credenziale) stamped at Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence before departure. Leonardo's Rooms provides stamps at Pontassieve. The Testimonium is awarded in Assisi upon completion.
Transport
Florence Santa Maria Novella station is the starting hub. Pontassieve is reachable by regional train (20 min from Florence). For La Verna: train to Arezzo, then TFT train to Bibbiena, then H11 bus to La Beccia.
What to Bring
Hiking boots, trekking poles (essential from Stage 2), 1.5L water minimum, sun hat, sunscreen, rain jacket, basic first aid kit. Pack light — you'll carry everything.
Why Choose Leonardo's Rooms?
🏛️ We Were Here First
Hosting pilgrims since 1994, long before the trail was famous. We know every stone of this path.
🗺️ Official Trail Knowledge
Leonardo personally revised Stage 1 in 2020. We provide updated maps and route advice for the next day.
❤️ Authentic Hospitality
At the end of your day, we sit together: you tell us what your eyes have seen, and we study the maps for tomorrow.
🛏️ Pilgrim-Friendly Services
Credential stamps, comfortable beds, hot showers, local tips, and a warm Tuscan welcome. From €50/night.
FAQ
What is the Via di Francesco?▼
How long is Stage 1 from Florence to Pontassieve?▼
Where do I get my pilgrim credential stamped?▼
When is the best time to walk the Via di Francesco?▼
How do I get from Florence to the trail start?▼
Is Leonardo's Rooms suitable for pilgrims?▼
What should I bring for Stage 1?▼
How do I book at Leonardo's Rooms?▼
Book Your Pilgrim Stop in Pontassieve
We are waiting for you with open arms to stamp your credential and welcome you into our family.