The Saint Francis Woods: an oasis of peace at the foot of Assisi

When thinking of Assisi, one often makes the mistake of considering only the Basilica as the great work of Saint Francis. However, at the foot of the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, a unique place opens up, steeped in history and spirituality.

We are talking about the Bosco di San Francesco (Saint Francis Woods), a reserve managed by the FAI, the Italian Environmental Fund, which represents a rare example of a Franciscan landscape, a corner of nature, art, and spirituality. The Woods extend for 64 hectares through olive groves, forests, and fields, and walking through it means exploring one's inner self, taking an internal journey in close contact with the nature that inspired Saint Francis.

It is the perfect place for contemplation, and silence accompanies visitors throughout the journey. One of the most beautiful and fascinating aspects of the Bosco di San Francesco is the presence of numerous historical testimonies, including the 13th-century Romanesque church of Santa Croce, as well as the remains of an ancient, now disused, Benedictine convent. Furthermore, while walking, you can also find the monumental installation Terzo Paradiso (Third Paradise) by Michelangelo Pistoletto.

The Woods are designed for everyone, as they are a pilgrimage destination for many faithful, including the elderly. The routes are simple, featuring walks among the olive trees and meditative strolls that transform the experience into contemplation.

The Bosco di San Francesco is not just a tourist destination; it is an invitation to discover the area from another, more naturalistic perspective, while retaining the spiritual power that made Assisi famous.

Photo credits: Roberto Berti, 2012 © FAI - Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano - licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.