In the Footsteps of Saint Francis

San Marino, 5 May 2026 / 1725 dFR

As part of the initiatives planned for the eight-hundredth anniversary of the death of Saint Francis, on Saturday 9 May the pilgrimage “In the Footsteps of Saint Francis” will take place along the route Sant’Igne – Basilica of the Saint, Republic of San Marino.

The initiative is promoted under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Education and Culture, and the Ministry of Territory.

The program for the day includes:

• 7:00: departure from Borgo Maggiore by free bus; meeting point at 6:45 under the Porticoes. Kindly confirm attendance at +39 335-6909868 for those wishing to use the service.

• 8:30: departure on foot from the Convent of Sant’Igne.

• During the route: packed lunch.

• 15:00: arrival in the City of San Marino at the Basilica of the Saint, with final blessing given by H.E. Domenico Beneventi using the relic of the Saint.

• 17:00.: return to San Leo by free bus (meeting point P1 Piazzale Calcigni). Confirmation at +39 339-5497576.

For information: Gianfranco Ugolini (+39 335-6909668).

The route, approximately 20 km long, is classified as a second-level path with medium difficulty. Light equipment is recommended, including trekking shoes, 2 liters of water, and a packed lunch.

The initiative is part of the broader context of the “Walk of Saint Marinus,” inaugurated on 20 April 2023, as a key stage in the strategic program to promote the Republic as a destination for spiritual tourism. The route, included since April 2024 in the Catalogue of Italian Religious Paths, extends for about 80 km from Rimini to Pennabilli, ideally starting from Rab, the birthplace of Saint Marinus, and crossing Croatia, Italy, and the Republic of San Marino.

The Walk represents not only an itinerary of faith, but also a message of peace, freedom, and cultural dialogue—core values of the Sammarinese tradition. In this context, Sant’Igne serves as a point of intersection between the Walk of Saint Marinus and that of Saint Francis, offering a meaningful experience for pilgrims and visitors.

The inclusion of the Walk of Saint Marinus among the Jubilee routes of 2025 strengthens its ecclesiastical recognition and international visibility, as does the Republic’s participation in the international Franciscan routes network “Saint Francis Ways,” recognized as a Cultural Route by the Council of Europe in May 2025.

According to tradition, Saint Francis crossed Mount Titano in 1213, blessing the Sammarinese community and leaving a message of freedom, simplicity, and peace that still resonates deeply today. The celebratory event for the 8th centenary aims to reinterpret this passage in a contemporary light, reaffirming the connection between Franciscan values and the founding principles of the Republic of San Marino, foremost among them freedom.

The calendar of celebrations for the eighth centenary of Saint Francis’ passing is sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, which renews its commitment to promoting spiritual tourism, with the aim of enhancing the network of Franciscan paths and the entire historical and religious heritage of the Republic of San Marino.