The Franciscan Way in the Marche of Ancona is a naturalistic, spiritual, and cultural trail that extends for approximately 30 km, connecting Ancona to Numana through ten stages rich in history and beauty. Created as part of the celebrations for the eighth centenary of the events associated with Saint Francis of Assisi, the trail invites pilgrims, hikers, and nature lovers to retrace the saint's footsteps in a region deeply rooted in Franciscan tradition.
The Marche region is in fact known as the "Land of the Little Flowers of Saint Francis"—the most widely read and sold Franciscan book in the world, written by a Franciscan from the Marche.
The Franciscan Way in the Marche of Ancona is equipped with low-impact information signs for each of its 10 stages, in accordance with a purely Franciscan spirit.
The trail's official logo depicts Saint Francis walking with a staff, framed by a landscape that includes Mount Conero, the sea, and the hills—symbols of the area. On the left is the Franciscan Tau cross.
ITINERARY:
- Ancona – San Francesco Quay: il the place from which Saint Francis set sail for the Holy Land in 1219. His mission took him to meet Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil in Egypt, at the height of the Crusades. This dialogue, which took place without weapons and in a spirit of brotherhood, represents a unique event in history. Today, the dock is not only a physical starting point but a symbol of peace and intercultural dialogue.
- Ancona – Santa Maria della Piazza: is one of the oldest and most significant sites in Ancona. Just before reaching it, along the Way of St. Francis, as you leave the port, you can admire a bas-relief celebrating the departure of St. Francis to the East and the Saint's deep connection to the city of Ancona.
- Ancona – Cathedral of San Ciriaco: The cathedral, located on the Guasco Hill, was built on an ancient Doric temple dedicated to Aphrodite Euplea. Its origins date back to the 6th century; in the 11th century it became a cathedral and housed the relics of Saint Cyriacus, patron saint of the city. Climbing up to the cathedral, you can stop at the Diocesan Museum, which houses priceless treasures, including works by Crivelli and relics that evoke the city's rich religious and artistic tradition.
- Ancona – San Francesco alle Scale: A symbol of the magnificent Franciscan growth in Ancona, it bears witness to the Order's expansion and its spiritual influence. The Marche region, described in the "Fioretti di San Francesco" as a starry sky of saints and blesseds, finds a shining confirmation of this abundance here. The nearby Pinacoteca Civica houses masterpieces such as Titian's Gozzi Altarpiece and works by Crivelli.
- Ancona – San Francesco ad Alto: The Convent of San Francesco ad Alto in an iconic site, founded by the Saint himself. From here, the view encompasses the city and the sea, offering both eyes and heart a symbol of spiritual elevation. Today, the building houses the Marche Army Command
- Varano – Church of San Pietro Martire: This place invites reflection on the profound meaning of the Franciscan vocation.
- Varano – Franciscan Charitable Works: In a natural setting of extraordinary beauty, near the Conero Park, the "Opere Caritative Francescane odv" (Francescan Charitable Works) of the Franciscan Friars Minor bear witness to the enduring message of compassion and solidarity.
Here, pilgrims can experience the essence of Franciscanism, experiencing moments of sharing and reflection, and discovering how love for others can transform people.
- Camerano – Church of San Francesco: founded in the 13th century, is a jewel of spirituality and culture. This place bears witness to the profound cultural influence of the Franciscans of the Marche, who did not simply live as isolated hermits, but actively contributed to society with social initiatives such as the Monti di Pietà, which they invented.
- Sirolo – Villa Vetta Marina: nestled in the Conero Park, it preserves a stunning historical narrative tied to Saint Francis himself. It is said that the Saint planted two trees her, two “hackberry trees”, symbols of a fortitude defying time. Here, too, a prophetic gesture by the Poor Man is remembered, who, looking toward Loreto, exclaimed, "Oh fortunate valley!", foretelling the coming of the "sacrosanct House of Mary."
- Numana – Chiesa di Cristo Re: the Church houses the legendary Beirut Crucifix, a truly unique symbol of faith and mystery. It is said that the crucifix shed blood during its journey to Italy. Here, the figure of Saint Francis emerges as "Alter Christus" ("another Christ"), a saint who, like the Crucifix, was the first in the history of the Church to bear the marks of Christ on his body.
Fonti: "A spasso con Francesco" - di D. Mecenero e C. Sargenti
For further information, please contact the website https://www.camminofrancescanoancona.it/