As part of the celebrations for the eight-hundredth anniversary of the death of Saint Francis, a special pilgrimage entitled "In the Footsteps of Saint Francis" will take place on Saturday 9 May. The route will run from Sant'Igne to the Basilica of the Saint in the Republic of San Marino.
The event is organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Education and Culture, and the Ministry of Territory.
The schedule for the day is as follows:
- 07:00 – Departure by free bus from Borgo Maggiore. Meeting point at 06:45 under the Porticoes. Please confirm your attendance at +39 335-6909868 if you wish to use this service.
- 08:30 – Start of the walk from the Convent of Sant'Igne.
- During the walk – Packed lunch.
- 15:00 – Arrival in the City of San Marino at the Basilica of the Saint. Final blessing with the relic of Saint Francis will be given by H.E. Domenico Beneventi.
- 17:00 – Return bus to San Leo from P1 Piazzale Calcigni. Confirmation required at +39 339-5497576.
For more information, contact Gianfranco Ugolini at +39 335-6909668.
The route is approximately 20 km long, classified as a second-level trail of moderate difficulty. Participants are advised to bring trekking shoes, at least 2 liters of water, and a packed lunch.
This pilgrimage is part of the larger "Walk of Saint Marinus" project, launched on 20 April 2023. The walk is a key component of the Republic's strategy to promote spiritual tourism. Since April 2024, it has been included in the Catalogue of Italian Religious Paths. The full route extends for about 80 km from Rimini to Pennabilli, with an ideal starting point on the island of Rab, the birthplace of Saint Marinus, crossing Croatia, Italy, and the Republic of San Marino.
The Walk of Saint Marinus is more than a religious itinerary—it is a symbol of peace, freedom, and cultural dialogue, values deeply rooted in the Sammarinese tradition. Sant'Igne serves as an intersection between the Walk of Saint Marinus and the path of Saint Francis, offering a meaningful experience for pilgrims and visitors alike.
The inclusion of the Walk of Saint Marinus among the Jubilee routes of 2025 has strengthened its ecclesiastical recognition and international visibility. In addition, 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, further enhances its profile.
According to tradition, Saint Francis crossed Mount Titano in 1213, blessing the Sammarinese community and leaving a legacy of freedom, simplicity, and peace that remains relevant today. The eight-hundredth anniversary events aim to reinterpret this historic passage in a contemporary context, reaffirming the connection between Franciscan values and the founding principles of the Republic, above all freedom.
The Ministry of Tourism sponsors the entire calendar of celebrations for the eighth centenary, renewing its commitment to spiritual tourism and the promotion of the historical and religious heritage of the Republic of San Marino.
Source: www.visitsanmarino.com
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