La Verna Sanctuary Tuscany – Franciscan Retreat in the Casentino Forest
Visit La Verna Sanctuary in Tuscany, where St. Francis of Assisi received the stigmata. A peaceful Franciscan retreat set in ancient forests with breathtaking views of the Casentino valley.
TOSCANA
Region: Tuscany
Province / Nearest City: Province of Arezzo / Chiusi della Verna (AR)
Attraction Name: Santuario della Verna – Sanctuary of St. Francis
Address: Via del Santuario, 45, 52010 Chiusi della Verna (AR)
Distance from Major City: About 60 km from Arezzo (1h 20 min by car)
How to Get There:
By car: From Arezzo, follow the SS71 toward Bibbiena, then climb up to Chiusi della Verna following signs for the Sanctuary.
By public transport: Train to Arezzo or Bibbiena, then bus to Chiusi della Verna. From the village, shuttle buses or a pleasant walk through the woods lead up to the Sanctuary.
What Makes It Unique in the World:
La Verna is one of the most sacred places in Italy. Surrounded by centuries-old forests of beech and fir, the sanctuary stands on the cliffs of Monte Penna. It’s here that St. Francis of Assisi received the stigmata in 1224, making it a site of pilgrimage for centuries. The atmosphere is spiritual and timeless: silence, stone cloisters, frescoed chapels, and breathtaking views over the Casentino valley.Local Story / Fun Fact:
The sanctuary was donated to St. Francis in 1213 by Count Orlando of Chiusi della Verna. Legend says the mountain was chosen because of its solitude and mystical aura. Even today, friars in brown robes walk slowly along the corridors, keeping alive a rhythm of life unchanged since medieval times.Best Time to Visit:
Spring and autumn offer mild weather and beautiful foliage in the surrounding forest. September 17 is a special day, commemorating the Feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis.Nearby Food & Stay:
In the area you’ll find rustic trattorie serving tortelli alla lastra, porcini mushrooms, and local pecorino cheese. Stay at guesthouses run by the Sanctuary for a spiritual retreat, or in cozy B&Bs in Chiusi della Verna and the surrounding Casentino valley.
Conclusion:
La Verna is not only a sanctuary but a mystical journey into nature and faith. Whether you visit as a pilgrim or as a traveler, its silence, history, and landscape leave an unforgettable mark.