History
The Sanctuary of La Verna offers a unique combination of spirituality, history, and nature, nestled in the heart of the Casentino Forests National Park
This sacred place is indissolubly linked to the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, who received the Stigmata here in 1224, an event that has made Mount La Verna one of the primary Franciscan centers in the world.
Visitors to the Sanctuary are welcomed by an imposing landscape of silent woods, sudden panoramic views, and an atmosphere of deep contemplation. The surrounding mountains, including Mount Penna, offer numerous scenic trails for trekking and walking experiences immersed in the natural beauty of Casentino.
Inside the complex, visitors can admire the famous glazed terra cottas by Andrea della Robbia, splendid Renaissance works that adorn chapels, altars, and walls. The sacred scenes modeled in the terra cotta add a unique artistic touch, contributing to an intense spiritual environment rich in history.
Reaching the Sanctuary is easy by following the signs for La Verna, located in the province of Arezzo. Every year, thousands of pilgrims and travelers come here to live an experience that combines art, faith, and nature, following in the footsteps of the “Poverello” of Assisi.
The Stigmata of
Saint Francis
In the summer of 1224, Saint Francis withdrew to Mount La Verna for a period of prayer and silence, desiring to share fully in the Passion of Christ. During this retreat, according to Franciscan tradition, the saint had a vision in which a crucified seraph appeared to him. From that intense spiritual encounter, Francis received the visible signs of the Passion: the Stigmata.
At this sight, Francis was filled with wonder, and in his soul there were, at the same time, sorrow and joy. He felt an overflowing gladness seeing Christ in a benign aspect, appearing to him in a way as admirable as it was affectionate; but at the sight of Him so fixed to the cross, his soul was pierced by a sword of compassionate sorrow. After a mysterious and intimate colloquy, when the vision disappeared, it left in his soul a seraphic ardor and, at the same time, left in his flesh the external signs of the passion, as if seals had been impressed upon his body, made tender by the melting power of the fire.
Immediately, the marks of the nails began to appear in his hands and feet; the heads appeared in the hollows of the hands and on the upper part of the feet, and the points on the other side. The right side of his body, as if it had been pierced by a lance stroke, was marked by a red scar, which often emitted blood. (Saint Bonaventure, Major Legend)
The testimony of this event, passed down through the centuries and described by Saint Bonaventure in the Major Legend, tells of the saint’s profound wonder, divided between sorrow and joy, as the marks of the nails and the wound in his side manifested on his body. This spiritual gift, along with his example of life, remains at the heart of La Verna’s Franciscan mission and the inner journey of many visitors today.
The Casentino Forests
The forests surrounding the Sanctuary of La Verna represent a true natural jewel.
The Sanctuary stands in the heart of the Casentino Forests, a pristine natural environment characterized by an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna. The woods are composed of beech, chestnut, oak, and fir trees, among which the “Carlo Acutis” silver fir stands out—the tallest native tree in Italy, at 51.85 meters.
Trekking and nature lovers can choose from numerous well-marked trails, perfect for exploring silent landscapes and surprising views.
Short routes to Mount Penna, more demanding walks such as the Forest Path, or sections of the Way of Saint Francis leading toward Assisi or Rome start from the Sanctuary.
Visiting La Verna means immersing oneself in a place where nature seems to amplify silence, reflection, and spiritual beauty, making every experience unforgettable.
