Those staying at Rimini, between sea e movida, often has no idea how much spiritual and natural beauty lies just a few hours’ drive away in the Apennine hinterland. One of the most picturesque day trips you can organise is undoubtedly a trip to La Verna, the famous Franciscan shrine nestled in the woods of the Eastern Tuscany, on the border with the Romagna. A place that brings people together faith, art, silence e nature, ideal for those who want to take a break to reflect and breathe in a different atmosphere – one that is more intimate and cosy.
Where is La Verna and how do you get there from Rimini?
The Sanctuary of La Verna is situated in the municipality of Chiusi della Verna, in Province of Arezzo, in the heart of the Casentinesi Forests National Park. From Rimini is about 100 kilometres and can be reached in car travelling along the SS258 Marecchiese up to San Piero in Bagno and then continuing on towards Bibbiena, or by taking in the views of theUpper Valmarecchia passing through villages such as Pennabilli e Sant’Agata Feltria.
The journey itself is an experience: gentle bends, green valleys, small villages where time seems to have stood still. In just over two hours, you go from Adriatic beaches at the quiet woods of the Tuscan Apennines, between fir, beech trees and the scents of the mountains.
The Sanctuary of La Verna: a place of faith and tranquillity
La Verna It is known throughout the world as the place where St Francis of Assisi received the stigmata in 1224. Since then, it has become a centre of Franciscan spirituality one of the most important in Italy, a destination for pilgrims, hikers and visitors of all faiths.
The complex stands on a rock outcrop at an altitude of 1,128 metres, nestled in a landscape that exudes peace and tranquillity. Inside, you will find the Major Basilica, the Chapel of the Stigmata, i silent corridors of the friars and the picturesque the Verna precipice, offering a spectacular view of the Casentino Valley.
Walking amongst these ancient stones, listening to the sound of the bells and breathing in the scent of the woodland is an experience that can take you back calm e inner depth, even to those who are not particularly religious.
Nature and walking in the surrounding area
The sanctuary is nestled in a an extraordinary natural environment, rich in hiking trails which venture into the Casentinesi Forests National Park. One of the most fascinating routes is the one linking La Verna at the Hermitage of Camaldoli, passing through ancient woods inhabited by deer and birds of prey.
For those who’d prefer a shorter walk, the The Stigmata Trail It is a panoramic loop an easy route that starts at the sanctuary and passes through the places that symbolise the life of St Francis, amongst chapels, caves and breathtaking viewpoints.
During the warmer months, the fresh air and the tranquillity of the woods make La Verna a perfect destination for anyone looking for a a rejuvenating break from the summer heat in Rimini.
What to see and what to try
As well as the sanctuary, it’s worth stopping off at the the village of Chiusi della Verna, a small and welcoming place, where traditional crafts keep alive the local traditions. In the shops you can find handcrafted ceramics, wooden objects, hand-woven fabrics and culinary specialities such as mountain cheeses, honey, chestnuts, porcini mushrooms e herbal liqueurs produced by the friars.
In the traditional restaurants e farm stays In this area, you can enjoy traditional dishes such as potato tortelli, the tagliatelle with mushrooms, the polenta with wild boar or roe deer sauce, accompanied by a glass of Chianti from the Casentino.
A day that stays in the heart
Back to Rimini after a day at La Verna It means taking something more than just a day trip with you: it’s like coming back from a trip with a new inner balance. La the peace of the sanctuary, i scents of the woodland, i views of the Apennines and the silence of sacred places remains etched in the memory.
For those who like to mix things up the sea and the mountains, spirituality and discovery, one trip from Rimini to La Verna It is one of the most exciting and rejuvenating to experience in a single day.
