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Day Sixteen on the
Way of St. Francis ~
Macenano to Piediluco, 22.5 Kilometers (14 Miles)

Our day along the Way of St. Francis, from Macenano to Piediluco was all about water! From walking along the Nera and Velino Rivers to witnessing the mighty Marmore Falls, on day sixteen water shows its true colors as gently flowing to a "driving force of nature."

"Water is the driving force of all nature." ~ Leonardo da Vinci

"Those who flow as life flows, know they need no other force." ~ Lao Tzu

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Instead of creating a driving force, I always try to walk like the gently flowing aspect of water; maximum achievement, but with minimal force! This is my idea of the yoga of walking! 

Maps and Stats, The Way of St. Francis, Macenano to Piediluco

Here is our fully interactive Google map for day sixteen, with all the services available to the pilgrim placed on it. Click the link for direct access via Google to this map of Macenano to Piediluco.

You can see there is a choice of two routes. I have provided the route to Terni in orange for your convenience, from the official Italian Via di Francesco website, but I will not be describing this diversion. 

The routes do not separate until 15. 5 kilometers into the stage, where the orange route to Terni heads eastward and to the right and towards the lower Marmore Falls. The Falls are a man-made phenomenon for water management, but still a sight to behold. 

The lower Marmore Falls are off the blue route by only about one kilometer, so we chose to see it from there, and double back to the route to Piediluco. 

The blue route also accesses the Marmore Falls farther along, from above and after the climb up the ridge, called the Belvedere Superiore.

I wanted to compare the falls from both vantage points, however we turned away when the upper falls ticket office machine failed to print out the tickets! We ran out of patience after a 15 minute wait while staff tried unsuccessfully to fix it.

I was glad we visited the lower falls, or we would have missed out all together. From what I see/read online, both vantage points are spectacular. It is a toss up which viewpoint is the best. 

And of great importance to note, if you go to the ticket office at either entrance to the falls and show them your stamped credential, you will be allowed free access to the park and falls. The orange route to Terni passes through Marmora falls park, and you must have a ticket to pass through the park. The blue route towards the upper falls bypasses the park, so you will not need a ticket just to walk through. 

If you choose the orange route to Terni, it is a two-and-a-half day diversion, meeting the blue route again in Rieti.

The blue route is also two-and-a-half days from the bifurcation, however the orange route adds an extra 9 kilometers in those two-and-a-half days. You can compare the two routes on our Entire Map of the Way of St. Francis. Just click on the link. 

As you can see from the elevation profile for the day, the initial journey from Macenano to Piediluco is essentially flat, with a slight downward trend for the first 15.5 kilometers, as the pilgrim continues to follow the Nera River valley.

When the Way finally leaves the valley where the routes bifurcate it climbs steeply over less than one kilometer, a gain of 154 meters (505 feet) to the top of the ridge of the Marmore Falls.

Then again, it is a nice and flat walk for almost 4.5 kilometers, before negotiating a smaller climb of 44 meters (144 feet) up and over a small ridge into Piediluco. At a total of 22.5 kilometers, it is not a difficult day.

Elevation Profile, Way of St. Francis, Macenano to Piediluco, Day Sixteen

The stage from Macenano to Terni, if you choose this, for comparison's sake, is 25.5 kilometers long, 3.0 more kilometers than the route to Piediluco. 

Below is the elevation profile to compare this stage, but it only begins at the bifurcation just before the Marmore falls, about 15.5 kilometers into the blue route from Macenano. 

There is about a 150 meter (492 feet) difference in altitude gain between the two routes, with the route to Terni commanding the higher gain. Both routes have a strong climb up and over ridges after the bifurcation. 

Elevation Profile, Marmore Bifurcation to Terni, Day Sixteen

The most important reason to go the Terni route, perhaps, is to see the Santuario di Greccio, where the first living nativity scene was created by St. Francis. Many pilgrims I talked to describe this as a site as sacred to them as the sanctuary at La Verna, where St. Francis received the stigmata. 

Photo-Rich Travelogue, The Way of St. Francis, Macenano to Piediluco

We left the town of Macenano, at the natural area by the river, called the Colleponte (literal translation means Hill Bridge). The river was lovely in the morning light, as we set off through town. 

Valnerina (Nera River), Colleponte, Macenano

From the bridge, the Way continues southward along the street called Laro Pompeo Santini. 

You will come to a long, high wall and a few steps later, look for the turn to the right. The Way of St. Francis sign declares that Ferentillo is only 4.3 kilometers away. You can just see the signs in the distance in the photo below.

Along the Largo Pompeo Santini

After turning right and walking through a few buildings, the paved road turns into this pleasant gravel lane, and leaves town, to continue following the Valnerina, Nero River Valley. 

Gravel Lane Through the Valley Towards Ferentillo

The walk through the valley is pleasant and easy, and was quite fresh on this autumn morning. 

The Way along this lane will weave in and out of trees, and have mild elevation changes, as well as pass some old buildings along the way. For the most part, however, this is a walk through the countryside, despite being able to see and sometimes hear the SP209 on the other side of the river. 

There are also stunning views of the cliffs across the river as well. 

Cliff Bands Across the River

It is after about 4.0 kilometers along the gravel lane when you can see a prominent fortification watchtower ahead, on a hill. Ferentillo is close. This is the Rocca di Mattarella, one of two fortresses standing guard over the town.

By about 4.5 kilometers, arrive at the edge of Ferentillo, at this crossroads, below. The bridge over the river will take you to the part of town on the western side of the river called Mattarella.

Arriving in Ferentillo

But the Way continues straight onwards through the eastern side of Ferentillo, called Precetto, to walk along the Via Mazzini.

At the first Y-intersection, stay to the left, and notice the water fountain on the corner, and in the lower right corner of the photo below. You can also see the sign on the dark orange building ahead, for the Country House Il Borgo, the first agriturismo and first possible accommodation in Ferentillo. 

If you were to turn right here by the water fountain you will come to a Conad supermarket in a few meters, if you need to stock up. 

The Via Mazzini, Ferentillo

For the Way, continue to follow the Via Mazzini until it takes a large bend to the left, and opens to this small plaza below, with the Bar Tabacchi, Conti Arianna, after 4.7 kilometers into this stage. Next to it is the Piazzetta Minimarket if you need a quicker stop for supplies. 

Bar Tabacchi Conti Arianna

Notice the fortifications on the hill above the piazzeta, the Fortezza Precetto and the church, the Chiesa di Santo Stefano - a very important landmark, pictured below. 

The church above the bar houses a museum, called the Cripta - Museo delle Mummie (Crypt - Museum of the Mummies). This is a rather macabre place, where human mummies were discovered below the church in the buried and forgotten 13th century medieval crypt.

The mummies formed naturally as a result of perfect soil and weather conditions, when a new church was built on top of the old medieval church and the old foundation was filled in. You can read about this fascinating discovery, many centuries later, by clicking on the link.

We arrived at the bar before 9:00 a.m. when we hoped the church museum would open up. We had coffee and danishes waiting until 9:00.

When 9:00 arrived, we hiked up to see the museum, and alas! it didn't open until 10:00 a.m! Shucks! Also pictured below is their opening hours which I photographed for you, for your own planning. However, for their current schedule, you may also want to check the Museo delle Mummie Facebook Page. 

Ferentillo Mummy Museum in the Santo Stefano Church

Ferentillo Mummy Museum Opening Hours

We reluctantly walked onward, not wishing to wait a full hour, since taking extra time to visit the Marmore Falls was our priority for the day. 

From the small plaza by the bar, cross the SP74 in front of you, and take the bridge across the Nera River.

Immediately after the bridge, the Way takes the first right turn onto the Via delle Macchie, following the sign toward the Agriturismo, Poggio Delle Rocche.

From the open square at the turn, you can look to your right to see both the Precetto Fortress and the Mattarella Fortress on the adjacent hills, one more time! A very incredible sight. 

View of the Ferentillo Fortresses

Continue along this road, the Via delle Macchie, for a long time, about 3.7 kilometers total. 

It is about 600 meters of pavement along the road through the remaining part of town, until the road turns to gravel. Then you are heading into the countryside, resuming your walk through the lush Nera River valley once again. 

After about 5.5 kilometers into day sixteen, the Way passes the Agriturismo Imelograni, below, just visible in the photo. This is one of the four appropriate accommodations in Ferentillo, for pilgrims. 

Agriturismo Imelograni, Along the Via delle Macchie

Only 100 meters later, pass the small and quaint Cappella della Madonna Piè di Lago after 5.6 kilometers total, with some very nice frescoes that you can see through the gate. As usual, I also said a prayer of gratitude here. 

Cappella della Madonna Piè di Lago

A few steps after the Cappella, at the next intersection, you will see a sign for the turn-off to the Agriturismo Poggio Delle Rocche, a third agriturismo in the area.

Less than 200 meters later, pass the Agriturismo I Terzieri, the fourth and final accommodation in the Ferentillo area. 

Next is the interesting landmark, the Bartolini olive oil production building, after 7.0 kilometers. I could almost taste the fabulous olive oil as I walked by! The sign declared that Arrone was 2.3 kilometers away.

Bartolini Olive Groves

Soon after passing the Bartolini building, the fortified city of Montefranco is visible on the hill across the river. You will see this city for a long time as the route essentially circumnavigates the town. 

Montefranco on the Hill Across the River

After about 8.45 kilometers total for the day, you will come to a T-intersection. Turn right onto the paved road called the Via delle Palombare. Arrone is 0.9 kilometers away.

This section is on a quiet road, approximating the river for a short while. It is a peaceful, flowing experience, to see the river by your side, as you walk along. 

Road Meets the Nera River

The Via delle Palombare ends after 9.5 kilometers into the day after a big bend in the road to the left, after walking under a bridge, and coming to a T-intersection in Arrone with the SP4, about 4.75 kilometers after the center of Ferentillo. 

The Castello di Arrone is visible on the hill and the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta is just ahead, seen in the photo below. 

Entering Arrone

Notice as you approach the church, there is a water fountain by it in the corner. And in front of the church door is a nice open plaza, with plenty of bars around to find refreshments. 

We imbibed in a slice of pizza and ice cream while sitting in the church square. We also spent some minutes contemplating the inside of the church and its 17th century frescoes. 

Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, High Altar

Arrone appears to be a fabulous city to explore, if you choose to spend the night here. The Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta parish will take pilgrims for the night, for a donation, contact Friar Davide at +39 333 986 4664 or +39 074 438 9594.

The Oratorio di Santa Maria Circolo Anspi (+ 39 328 17 27 481) also takes pilgrims for a donation. They are 400 meters east of the church square, along the main road, the SP4. Use the link or the number to contact them. 

In addition, there are several private accommodations near the castle, up the hill, La Loggia sul Nera with 1-bedroom apartments, the Cuore del Castello a home for up to three and the Casa Argenti with standard rooms. 

From the open church square, walk down the hill and take the first right turn at the shop with the colorful sign, called The Bazaar. If you need any general supplies, this might be your stop. 

After the Bazaar, take an immediate left turn onto the Via Tra le Case. This is a narrow, medieval street through town, shown below. 

Along the Narrow, Medieval Via Tra le Case Through Arrone

The Way continues its walk down the hill, until it arrives at this intersection, below, where you can see the cliff on your right, the actual fortress rock on which the Castello di Arrone sits atop. Turn right to join the Via del Mattatoio.

Arrone Fortress Rock

In the photo above you can see in the background, an intersection with the overpass of the SP17 highway. If you were to turn right here and climb up on the roadway, the Case Vacanza Fiocchi is a few meters east of this intersection.

Otherwise, the Way continues under the highway to stay on the Via del Mattatoio, when a few meters later it takes a bend to the right and onto the street called the Vocabolo S. Francesco. This road is narrow, with no safe shoulder, but there is not a lot of traffic either.

Make sure you look behind you as you leave town. The views of the Arrone fortress on top of the cliff are impressive. 

A Look-Back to the Castello di Arrone

Continue along this road, as it passes the prominent Convento di San Francesco (not open to visitors) after about 1/3 kilometer and heads toward the promontory of the next town of Casteldilago.

You can actually see this town on the promontory almost as soon as you leave Arrone, see photo below.

There are three accommodations in the upper, promontory part of town, all are apartments, La Rocchetta, Il Castello sul Lago and Borgo San Valentino.

The Via di Francesco Walks Under Casteldilago

After walking past the upper town, continue towards the lower town, but just before arriving into the lower town, turn left by a house with a very interesting fence with embedded archways. The turn is just before crossing the river, and after 11.3 kilometers into the day.

If you need a bite to eat, you can continue onward into town, only a few meters to find several bars and restaurants, by turning left at the next intersection. There are also three more accommodations along this street, the SP209, the Hotel Turrita, Le Casette - Affitti Turistici and the Casa Mattei.

After the left turn, onto the road called the Vocabolo Villa Margine, the pavement after the buildings will now become a long, hot open lane for almost the next two full kilometers, following the Nera River, below. 

Rich was using an umbrella through this section to protect himself from the heat of the sun!

Open, Hot Walk Onward Towards Marmore

After 13.2 kilometers come to a T-intersection at the Ponte Vecchio, the bridge which crosses the river to the right. However, the Way turns to the left here and onto the Strada Santa Maria del Caso.

About 1/4 kilometer later, the Strada Santa Maria del Caso takes a right angle turn to the right. The sign declares that the town of Marmore is 3.3 kilometers away.

Continue through the countryside, through open fields, as the road winds around farms, crossing  the valley and towards a forested ridge ahead. 

After 14.3 kilometers, and after arriving at the foot of this ridge, the road takes a strong bend to the right at a farm. You will notice that after this turn, a slight elevation change is now noticeable.

A bit more than 1/2 kilometer later, when the paved road makes a right bend toward the river and the town of Collestatte Piano, after about 14.9 kilometers total, instead the Way continues straight onward, up a small hill and into the forest, shown below. At this intersection, Marmore is 1.8 kilometers away. 

Into the Shaded Forest

When the view opens again, you will see a hill with a terraced strip mine ahead. Near the bottom of this hill, we thought it was smoke we were seeing, as we walked along for several kilometers. It turned out to be the water vapor of the Mamore Falls! Wow!

Water Vapor of the Mamore Falls

Approximately 600 meters later, arrive at the bifurcation in the routes. Low and to the right is the route to Terni, and the lower falls, called the Belvedere Inferior, or lower viewpoint. The sign says Marmore Falls is 1.2 kilometers away, however, according to my measurements it is less than one kilometer. 

Route Bifurcation

For the lower falls, we followed the Terni route, through the forest, passing through a ruined tunnel and coming to a bridge which crosses the Nera River. Just on the other side of the river, the Way turns left, and toward the entrance of the falls.

Just after this turn, is a large parking lot, which is significant, because just a few meters farther, and on the other side of the lot is the ticket and information office (Biglietteria) in a tall yellow, glass-windowed building. 

The ticket office is a full 350 meters before the entrance to the falls where they collect your entrance ticket. Make sure you go to the ticket office first or the backtrack is a long way!

You must have a ticket to enter the park, whether it is for a visit or only to walk through on the way to Terni on the Way of St. Francis.

After the ticket office, continue along the street, heading westward following the signs to the falls until meeting the SP209. There are many food trucks here in the tourist season, as well as several restaurants. We took advantage of the food trucks on the way out!

Along the SP209, just before the entrance to the lower viewpoint, the Belvedere Inferiore, notice the Way of St. Francis sign, pointing to the right to cross the street and continue onward, before climbing up the ridge on the other side.

From the opposite side of the street, the Way goes through the Marmore Park and you must have a ticket to get through on this side as well to continue along the Via di Francesco!

Rich at the Cascata delle Marmore, Belvedere Inferiore

The Cascata delle Marmore (Marmore Falls) are the highest and oldest manmade falls in the world. They were first created in 271 BC by the Romans, originally to drain the swampy, stagnant waters of the Velino River in the Reiti Valley, which caused widespread diseases such as malaria. 

Today, after many centuries of altered hydroelectric engineering since the Romans, when the falls are not flowing, the water is diverted into the Galleto power plant for the creation of power.

However, the falls' dual purpose is as a tourist attraction, with scheduled water releases to wow its visitors. And it is indeed a striking phenomenon.

Apparently, the falls are lit up at night for an impressive light show, if you are able to coordinate a visit after dark. To witness this force of nature, even though it is man-made, you will get Da Vinci's message! 

Make sure you check the water release schedule to time your visit to see the waterfall! The schedule varies significantly from month to month, and as is the Italian cultural practice of riposo (midday lunch break), the water release ceases from 1-3:00 p.m. on most days. 

An extensive park system surrounds the falls, another reason to linger here if you have the time and desire. 

If you do wish to stay in the area, very close to the ticket office is the Marmore Charming House and Il Casolare della Cascata.

Cascata delle Marmore, Marmore Falls

Back at the bifurcation, where we returned after our visit to the falls, the upper trail climbs up and past some old waterworks structures, crosses a bridge, then switchbacks steeply up towards the top.

As noted in the beginning, you will be gaining 154 meters over the next kilometer. 

On the way to the top, pass a canal with an information board explaining that this is the "Steelworks' Drainage Channel of 1886," It was used as part of the state of the art hydroelectric power system at that time. Now it has been repurposed for use in fire-fighting and cooling for the steel-working factory below.

Arrive at the top of the climb at a T-intersection, walk through a gate and turn to the right. There is a high fence and a big wall on your right, which according to the map is a cistern.

Just past the cistern, still within the high fence is a nice park with an outdoor hydroelectric waterworks museum, see below. You can take some time to rest and explore the park if you desire. We are now 0.3 kilometers from the town of Marmore.

Waterworks Outdoor Park and Museum

A few steps after this park and museum, round a bend and pass the Camping Le Marmore. And a few steps after the camping place, on your right, you will see the turnoff for the Cascata delle Marmore, Belvedere Superiore, or upper viewpoint.

At the entryway is a bar and the ticket office is the yellow building on the left in the photo. Again, you must have a ticket to enter the upper viewing area and you can get it for free by showing your stamped credential. 

Entrance to the Upper Marmore Falls, Belvedere Superiore

We continued onward, after our failed attempt to see the upper falls. There is a potable water fountain by the entrance, a few steps off-route if you need a fill up. 

Just beyond the entrance to the park, is the entrance to the town of Marmore itself, after 17 kilometers total for day sixteen, Way of St. Francis, from Maceneno to Piediluco. 

There are quite a few accommodations throughout this upper area, as you might expect, and you can click on Marmore Booking.com to see them, and any current deals. However, there are only a few inexpensive ones, the Hotel Velino Marmore in the center of town, and Il Sogno di Bea apartments, a few meters off-route on the south side of town, along the SR79 highway. 

Continue past the parking lot of the Marmore Falls and in several hundreds meters, arrive at the T-intersection with the SR79 highway in the center of town. Turn right here for the Hotel Velino Marmore and for more restaurants and an alimentari.

Otherwise, the Way goes left and onto the SR79 highway. You will pass an alimentari on the right in a few meters.

Fortunately there is a well-worn pilgrim's path on the shoulder of this highway, and it even walks behind a guardrail when there is one as you can see in the photo below. 

Along the SR79 Highway

Fortunately this highway stretch is only about 1/3 kilometer, when you are diverted to the right onto a side road. Piediluco is 4.1 kilometers away.

This side road leaves the highway, entering the parking lot of a sports park, the Parco Ludico Sportivo Mazzelvetta. The paved road becomes a gravel road as it enters another trail system but now along the Velino River. Pass a dam on the right, on your way towards the next small town of Mazzelvetta II.

Velino Riverwalk Towards Mazzelvetta II

This walkway is called the Strada di Mazzelvetta, and it is another wonderful riverwalk. 

After about 1.25 kilometers, you will come to the place where we chose to stay for the night, La Cannucciola apartments. I chose to stay here, just 3.5 kilometers shy of reaching Piediluco, because I did not want to stay in a shared space at the hostel at the San Francesco church, and all the hotels on the lake were much more pricey. This accommodation was as close as I could get to Piediluco without paying a small fortune. 

Since the next stage is only 21.1 kilometers, and the walk from here to Piediluco has only one small hill, I figured it was doable. 

When our host at La Cannucciola asked where we were going tomorrow, and I answered "Poggio Bustone," he kept saying the word I understood very well, over and over, "Duro, Duro," meaning that this stage would be hard! Well, I already knew that, but as it turned out, the next day, while vigorous, was quite manageable!

And indeed, La Cannucciola was a fabulous place. It was one of my favorites on the Way of St. Francis, with a modern remodel and kitchen, a lovely breakfast the next morning, and a balcony overlooking the river. The proprietors were lovely as well. 

However, my story is that we arrived here on a Tuesday. And with incredible misfortune, both restaurants in Mazzelvetta II a few meters down the road were closed!!

This was a major disappointment, since we had only some leftover sandwiches from lunch and some nuts. But when our proprietress learned of this, I just said, "we are pellegrini and we always carry food!"

She had an abundance of pastries in the room for us for the morning, a whole quart of milk and some fresh fruit, which she later brought even more of. All this food we had would have to be enough for both dinner and breakfast. 

Besides, we could get something substantial in Piediluco the next morning - or so we thought. But that is a story for tomorrow!

And here is a look-back view of the lovely location of La Cannucciola, in the early morning the next day. Such a fabulous place!

A Look Back to La Cannucciola

The next morning, continuing on the Way past La Cannucciola, a few meters later when the Strada di Mazzelvetta meets the SR79 once again, the Way goes to the right. You are in the center of the small town, Mazzelvetta II. There are two restaurants here in town. The first you will pass is right along this highway. 

The second restaurant is found by turning right at the next intersection, a few steps later. However, the Way continues straight through this intersection.

After crossing the intersection, look for an immediate right, that crosses through a gate and onto a pathway called the Vocabolo Mazzelvetta. The sign says Piediluco is 2.2 kilometers, however, in actuality to the town entrance sign it is closer to three. 

Ahead will be your final steps along the river for the day, when it meets the Lago di Piediluco, and diverts more inland.

After about 1/2 kilometer, the pathway meets the SR79 highway once again. This time it follows it for not quite 1/2 kilometer before it makes a turn off to the left onto a smaller paved road, the Via Fonte del Prato. You are now entering the town of Mazzelvetta I.

Walking Through Mazzelvetta I

After only 1/4 kilometer you are essentially through town, and the Way takes a bend where the paved road becomes a two-track lane. You will follow this lane a few meters, where it ends at a gate, and continues onto a path, below, after 20.7 kilometers total for the day.

The final, small climb begins here, of 44 meters in elevation gain over 300 meters distance. Even though it is short, it is a steep and rocky climb.

The Final Small Climbs Begins on This Trail

The Way remains on this nicely forested path for not even one full kilometer, crossing over a gravel road about halfway, and continuing along the lower path to the left. 

Along this path you will see gorgeous views of the Piediluco lake and the Rocca di Piediluco watchtower on the hill above town, photo below.

Lago di Piediluco and the Rocca di Piediluco

After you reach the top of the climb, and you feel a shift towards downhill, and after about 21.5 kilometers total, look for a sharp turn to the right onto another path, below. We almost missed this turnoff as it is very difficult to see! It is just after the Way of St. Francis' signs states that it is 6.6 kilometers until Labbro, the next town after Piediluco. 

Strangely, the signs switched from a countdown to Piediluco to a countdown to Labbro through this forested area.long before we actually reached Piediluco! Please take these signs as a rough estimate only! By my GPS, the entrance sign to Piediluco is now 0.5 kilometers away from this sharp right turn. 

Here is Rich standing at the intersection, that even in the photo is difficult to see! 

Sharp Right Turn Onto Path Towards Piediluco

The path descends sharply, ending at a set of stairs where it joins a lane, which intersects with a paved road and only a few steps later intersects with the SR79.

Cross over the SR79 and continue straight along the Corso Raniero Salvati roadway for the final steps into Piediluco.

Notice that the roadway now goes around a finger of the lake, and less than 1/2 kilometer later arrives at the entrance sign to Piediluco.

Entering Piediluco

You will soon see the pathway following next to the lake, on your right. You have the option to take this or continue onward along the road, all the way to the stages end at the Santuario di San Francesco a Piediluco and the pilgrim's hostel there. 

We chose the slightly longer walk along the lake. It was so stunning and serene in the early morning!

Lakefront Walkway

Pass a minimarket on the left, along the main road. Then, in order to stay along the waterfront, after passing a parking area where the pathway ends, after a few steps along the roadway, you will have to take a short alleyway to the right a few meters later. It is worth it. There are docks, picnic tables and places to linger along the wonderful lungolabo (lakefront).

Piediluco Lungolabo

And when you reach a large open plaza at the waterfront, this is your signal to turn left and walk through the plaza. When you reach the main road again, look up and to the left and you can't miss the grand stairway of the Chiesa di San Francesco, the end of your day's journey.

The pilgrim's hostel, the Parrochial Hostel Santa Maria del Colle (+39 338 87 27 918) is the yellow building to the left of the church, pictured below. This is a 30-bed donation-based accommodation that requires a 2-day advanced notice of your plan to stay here. 

Il Santuario di San Francesco

If you wish to stay elsewhere in Piediluco, there are many choices, but they are all going to be over 100 Euros for two. Click on the link to see your choices. This is why we stayed in Mazzelvetta!

Right along the lake in the order that you pass them, are a few of the possibilities, La Casa di Bianca, the Casa di Giulia and the Hotel Miralago. 

Reflections, The Way of St. Francis, Macenano to Piediluco

This was indeed an easy stage for us, even having sufficient time at the falls. In hindsight, perhaps we should have waited for the Mummy Museum to open! We would have had enough time.

However, we did see the Falls, and were happy to follow the flow of the water today, both along the river walks and the appropriate timing of the water release for us. 

While we went to bed less than satisfied, we did not go to bed hungry. We adjusted as all pilgrims need to do.

Salutation

May your own Way of St. Francis from Macenano to Piediluco also flow with the appropriate force of the water, neither too strong nor too rapid, but be just right for your Camino day! Ultreia!

Way of St. Francis EBook Guide

Walk smarter with our ad-free, beautifully formatted Way of St. Francis eBook Guide, La Verna to Assisi,* in PDF format ~ perfect for offline use in mountainous and remote areas along this Way.  Includes daily stage details, alternative routes and stunning photos.  Our eBook Guide is unique because we also immerse you with our story.

Don't carry a heavy paper book, but use our digital eBook on your mobile device instead! You can walk with clarity and confidence, deeply connect to nature, following in the footsteps of St. Francis, through the Italian countryside! 

📲 Instant download. 💸 Money-back guarantee. 🔄 Free updates for 1 year.

👉 Click here for more information OR BUY NOW.

*Please note that our eBook for the Southern Route from Assisi to Rome will be available in early 2026!

Way of St. Francis Stages

Introduction to the Way of St. Francis

Way of St. Francis Maps and Stats and Additional Important Information

La Verna Sanctuary, the Official Start of the Way of St. Francis

Day One ~ La Verna Sanctuary to Pieve Santo Stefano, 14.9 Km (9.26 Miles)

Day Two ~ Pieve Santo Stefano to Montagna, 23.3 Kilometers (14.5 Miles)

Day Three ~ Montagna to Sansepolcro, 11.7 Kilometers (7.27 Miles)

Day Four ~ Sansepolcro to Citerna, 11.2 Kilometers (7 Miles)

Citerna ~ "One of the Most Beautiful Cities in Italy."

Day Five ~ Citerna to Città di Castello, 20.2 Kilometers (12.55 Miles)

Day Six ~ Città di Castello to Pietralunga, 29.2 Kilometers (18.14 Miles)

Day Seven ~ Pietralunga to Gubbio, 26 Kilometers (16.16 Miles)

Gubbio ~ A Medieval Marvel

Day Eight ~ Gubbio to Biscina, 21.9 Kilometers (13.61 Miles)

Day Nine ~ Biscina to Valfabbrica, 13.3 Kilometers (8.26 Miles)

Day Ten ~ Valfabbrica to Assisi, 13.4 Kilometers, 8.33 Miles

A Pilgrimage to Assisi ~ A Sacred Medieval Treasure

Day Eleven ~ Assisi to Spello, 16.5 Kilometers, (10.3 Miles)

Day Twelve ~ Spello to Trevi, 18.5 Kilometers (11.5 Miles)

Exploring Trevi, Perugia - In the Medieval Heart of Umbria

Day Fifteen ~ Spoleto to Macenano, 20.9 Kilometers (13 Miles)

Day Thirteen ~ Trevi to Poreta, 12 Kilometers (7.43 Miles)

Day Sixteen ~ Macenano to Piediluco, 22.5 Kilometers (14 Miles)

Day Fourteen ~ Poreta to Spoleto, 15 Kilometers (9.3 Miles)

More Stages to Rome, Coming Soon!

Please Consider Showing Your Support

Many readers contact me, Elle, to thank me for all the time and care that I have spent creating this informative website. If you have been truly blessed by my efforts, have not purchased an eBook, yet wish to contribute, I am exeedingly grateful. Thank-you! 

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The Pilgrimage Traveler Digital Guides 

Our Guides Help You:

~ Know what to expect each day! 

~ Locate historic sites along the Way!

~ Know where you are in your journey!

~ Discover a quote from the sages, for your daily reflection on the journey!

Click on a Photo Below to Get Your Copy.

A most popular alternative on the Central Route of the Camino Portugués!

The Portuguese Routes are rapidly gaining in popularity, especially the section from Lisbon! Plan to walk this one soon, before it is no longer a quiet experience!

Our Most Popular Guide! 

The Most Historic of the Portuguese Caminos ~ not to be missed! 

The Spiritual Adventure of a Lifetime, Following in the Footsteps of St. Teresa of  Ávila!

The Amazing Mountain Route Alternative, the  Camino Sanabrés, from Granja de Moreruela on the  Vía de la Plata!

The Most Incredible Mountain Scenery on this Camino from Leon to Oviedo!

The Shortest of the Caminos, but Not Easy!

The Very First, Original Camino from Oviedo to Santiago 

Entirely Updated and New Version for 2025

The Pilgrimage to the End of the World ~ A Must Do!

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🙋‍♀️ Why Trust Us at the Pilgrimage Traveler? 

We’re not a travel agency ~ we’re fellow pilgrims! (See About Us)

We've trekked Pilgrimage Routes Across Europe since 2014!

💬 We’ve:

• Gotten lost so you don’t have to. 😉
• Followed waymarks in the glowing sunlight, the pouring rain and by moonlight. ☀️🌧️🌙
• Slept in albergues, hostels & casa rurals. Ate and drank in cafés along the way.   🛌 😴
• Created comprehensive and downloadable GPS maps and eBook Guides, full of must-have information based on real pilgrimage travels.  🧭 🗺️  
• Shared our complete journeys, step by step to help YOU plan your ultimate pilgrimage and walk with your own Heart and Soul. 💙✨

Every detail is from our own experiences. Just fellow pilgrims sharing the Way. We have added a touch of spirituality, heartfelt insights and practical guidance from the road ~ offering a genuine connection to the spirit of pilgrimage. Tap into the wisdom of seasoned pilgrims!

Ultreia and Safe Pilgrimage Travels, Caminante! 💫 💚 🤍  

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PS: Our eBook Guide books are of our own creation and we appreciate your purchase of those too!!

Shroud Yourself in Mystery, along the Via de Francesco!

Walk in the Footsteps of St. Francis, and Connect Deeply to the Saint and to Nature in the Marvelous Italian Countryside!

Need suggestions on what to pack for your next pilgrimage? Click Here or on the photo below!

Essential Packing List

Carbon Trekking Poles

Carbon fiber construction (not aluminum) in a trekking pole makes them ultra lightweight. We like the Z-Pole style from Black Diamond so we can hide our poles in our pack from potential thieves before getting to our albergue! There are many to choose from!  (See more of our gear recommendations! )

Gregory BackPack ~ My Favorite Brand

An ultralight backpack should serve you well for years, like my Gregory has ~ six Caminos in all! My 28L Women's pack gets a 5-star on Amazon (Ones for Guys too)!

Microfiber Towel Set

Do not forget your quick-dry microfiber towel! 

My absolute favorite book on how to be a pilgrim:

The Art of Pilgrimage by Phil Cousineau