Saint Francis in Citerna
In Citerna, is happened a lovely episode of the life of Saint Francis. When he arrived in 1214, a large number of people wanted to hear him preach, so they had to go out into the open countryside. Francis leaned on an oak tree, which was however full of ants: in the name of God, he commanded them to go away and the insects miraculously obeyed. In that same place, called Montesanto, the Conventino, also known as the Osservanti, was built in the 13th century and inhabited until the Franciscans moved to the Convent dedicated to the Holy Crucifix. The latter, suppressed in the wake of the unity of Italy, is now home to a community of enclosed Benedictine nuns.
The "Fonte Degna"
An important resting place along the way, where St. Francis is said to have performed two miracles, is the Fonte Degna (worthy source): First, while preaching near the fountain with fellow friars who were disturbed by ants, Francis commanded the ants to leave and they never returned. Then the second miracle which gives the place its name, occurred when the friars said they were thirsty and Francis was able to make water gush from the bare rock, a source that still flows today and the Fonte Degna, a place where pilgrims can still drink along the way.
The stages
Citerna is the destination of the third stage of the way of St. Francis for the pilgrim coming from Sansepolcro, and the starting point of the stage that arrives in Città di Castello.
from sansepolcro
to citerna
Hard stage, but the natural landscapes and Franciscan Hermitages will become some of the most beautiful memories of the journey. The length of the stage can be reduced by choosing to stop at one of the intermediate stages. Challenging elevation gains slow down the pace, but perhaps they are a suitable way to experience the “perfect joy” of Saint Francis.
From CITERNA
to citTà DI CASTELLO
The path of about 20 km has a pleasant route. From the rugged Apennine landscape of the previous stages, you pass to the sweeter landscape of the Upper Tiber Valley. The climbs aren’t challenging and you walk among fields and small villages.
INFO UTILI
You can request the credential and stamp it at the info point located at the entrance of the municipal building on Corso Garibaldi during the following hours: Every day, including holidays, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
In the official website of the Umbria region, the Umbria Tourism portal, you can find the accommodations in Citerna, website: https://www.umbriatourism.it/.
