Via Lauretana
The Via Lauretana is a 150-kilometer itinerary linking Assisi and Loreto, passing through historic towns, cities of art and breathtaking landscapes, for a unique experience of faith, culture and nature.
The Via Lauretana is an evocative spiritual, historical and naturalistic itinerary that winds for about 150 kilometers, connecting Assisi to Loreto through a seven-stage route. This ancient path passes through enchanting villages, cities of art and breathtaking landscapes, offering pilgrims and travelers a unique experience of discovery and introspection. Along the way, one encounters places rich in history and culture, such as Spello, Macerata and Recanati where one can admire churches, squares and monuments of rare beauty. Among paths immersed in nature and roads that intertwine with the urban fabric, Via Lauretana represents a journey that combines faith, tradition and wonder, culminating in the Marian shrine of Loreto, a destination of devotion and spirituality.
HISTORY
From the late 1500s the main route to Loreto was the “Via Lauretana”. Built as a commercial and postal road, it connected Rome to the port of Ancona, and it also imposed itself as a privileged route for pilgrims who wished to bear witness to their faith, uniting the three spiritual centers of Christendom-Rome, Loreto and Assisi-in a single route. With the Via Francigena and the Via Romea, the Via Lauretana was the major route of faith in Italy.
WATER SOURCES.
Plenty of water is available at each STAGE of the walk. The exact coordinates of the Water Points will be uploaded to the Cammini d’Italia app shortly.
SERVICES
Essential services are present in all the villages and towns along the way.
SIGNAGE
Current signage includes directional signs in some sections, stickers in others, and information totems found in every village and town along the Marche section.
DANGERS
The section from Abbadia di Fiastra to Macerata (Tolentino-Macerata STAGE) is currently considered dangerous. However, safety work is planned; in the meantime, pilgrims and walkers are advised to travel it by bus.
ROAD BOTTOM.
Asphalt = 40%
Dirt road = 30%
Nature trail = 30%
CREDENTIALS
The Charta Peregrini Lauretani, or Credential of the Lauretan Pilgrim, is the official document that accompanies the Pilgrim along the way, attesting to his or her identity and pious intention. It consists of a printout and has the purpose of documenting the journey through the different STAGES of the itinerary, at which a stamp must be affixed by an ecclesiastical body, be it a Parish, a Convent or a Monastery; it thus allows one to receive the Testimonium, that is, the certificate of the pilgrimage, once one arrives in Loreto.
The Credential is issued exclusively by the Confraternity of the Sacred Stigmata of St. Francis of Macerata, upon authorization granted by the Archbishop Prelate of Loreto and Pontifical Delegate of the Shrine of the Holy House, Archbishop Giovanni Tonucci, given at the Apostolic Palace in Loreto on May 3, 2016.
Instead, the Testimonium is issued by the Universal Congregation of the Holy Household.
CONTACTS
Phone: 0733.1992962
E-mail: info@camminilauretani.eu
STAGE 01
STAGE 01: Assisi – Spello
Distance: 12.6 km
Duration: about 3 hours and 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Height difference: +210 m / -243 m
This initial section of the walk connects two cities rich in history and spirituality-Assisi, the “City of St. Francis,” and Spello, an ancient Roman village known for its famous flower displays. Starting in Assisi, the route passes iconic sites such as the basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli and the sanctuary of Rivotorto, key points in the life of the Poverello. Along the way, pilgrims encounter vineyards, olive groves and the striking hillside landscapes of Umbria. In Spello, visitors can admire its medieval walls, towers and beautiful floral decorations celebrating Corpus Christi. A perfect STAGE to immerse yourself in Umbrian culture and tradition.
STAGE 02
STAGE 02: Spello – Colfiorito
Distance: 28.5 km
Duration: about 6 hours and 50 minutes
Difficulty: Difficult
Height difference: +873 m / -397 m
This challenging section traverses evocative Umbrian landscapes and leads from the historic villages of Spello and Foligno to the highlands of Colfiorito, on the Marche border. Starting in Spello, the route follows ancient routes such as the Via Roma and passes through places rich in spirituality, such as the church of Madonna di Fiamenga and the hermitage of Santa Maria di Giacobbe, set in the rock near Sasso di Pale.
In Foligno, the beating heart of history and culture, you can admire the Trinci Palace and the cathedral of San Feliciano. Continuing on to Colfiorito, the landscape changes: plateaus and valleys surrounded by mountains provide enveloping alpine views. A strenuous but fascinating STAGE, perfect for those seeking a deep immersion in the nature and history of the path.
STAGE 03
STAGE 03: Colfiorito – Camerino (North)
Distance: 25 km
Duration: about 7 hours
Height difference: +397 m / -564 m
This STAGE, which marks the entrance to the Marche region, takes in the highlands of Colfiorito and the valleys leading toward Camerino. The route follows ancient historical tracks, skirting the course of the Chienti River and passing through villages such as Serravalle del Chienti, an important stopping place along the Via Lauretana, and Pieve Torina, custodian of valuable works of art and evidence of the Lauretana pilgrimage.
Cultural and spiritual STAGES include the Sanctuary of Macereto, the hermitage of Sant’Angelo, and the many churches and parishes that dot the route. The STAGE is immersed in an evocative landscape that alternates between forests, valleys and small towns, offering walkers a combination of history, faith and nature.
STAGE 03: Colfiorito – Muccia (South)
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 18 km
Duration: about 4 hours and 50 minutes
Height difference: +168 m / -485 m
This section, which crosses the border between Umbria and Marche, runs along ancient routes obliged by the orography of the valley, following the course of the Chienti River and grazing the remains of the historic Via Lauretana. The path passes through Serravalle del Chienti, with its castle and votive shrines, and then continues toward Bavareto and ends in Muccia.
Muccia, an important point of passage for transhumance, is home to the Church of Our Lady of Loreto in the hamlet of Costafiore, a symbol of the Marian devotion that permeates the entire journey. The STAGE offers an experience that weaves together history, faith and the enchanting landscapes of the Marche hinterland.
STAGE 04
STAGE 04: Camerino – Belforte del Chienti
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 18.2 km
Duration: about 5 hours and 10 minutes
Height difference: +332 m / -600 m
This STAGE passes through an area rich in history and spirituality, following the Via Lauretana variant that touches Camerino and its iconic sites, such as the Cathedral of the Santissima Annunziata and the Ducal Palace. The itinerary continues through charming villages such as Caldarola, with its majestic Pallotta Castle, and Serrapetrona, known for its Vernaccia wine production and historical heritage.
The walk ends in Belforte del Chienti, dominated by the medieval castle and a maze of alleyways that evoke the ancient history of this fortified village. A STAGE that combines breathtaking views with a journey into the heart of Marche culture and faith.
STAGE 04: Muccia – Belforte del Chienti (Via Polverina)
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 24.7 km
Duration: about 6 hours and 55 minutes
Height difference: +408 m / -518 m
This STAGE leads through the historic villages of Pievebovigliana, Caldarola and Belforte del Chienti, touching on such emblematic places as Beldiletto Castle, Borgiano Lake and the striking Belforte Castle. Following the ancient route, the trail crosses the Chienti valley, providing glimpses of the hilly landscape and historical heritage of the Marche region.
The STAGE offers many cultural points of interest, such as the church of Santa Maria da Varano in Muccia, the Renaissance castle of Caldarola and the medieval walls of Belforte del Chienti. A journey through history, faith and nature that combines the charm of transhumance with memories of the Lauretan pilgrimages.
STAGE 05
STAGE 05: Belforte del Chienti – Tolentino
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 8.7 km
Duration: about 2 hours and 15 minutes
Height difference: +29 m / -155 m
This STAGE crosses the Chienti Valley, following the historic route of Via Lauretana, modified over the centuries due to river flooding. Starting in Belforte del Chienti, we encounter the church of the Santissimo Crocifisso and the triumphal arch dedicated to Pius VI. The route then leads to Tolentino, a town rich in historical memories, such as the Castello della Rancia and the convent of the Madonna di Loreto.
A short but densely packed itinerary that chronicles the historical and cultural evolution of Via Lauretana and connects two centers charged with charm and tradition.
STAGE 06
STAGE 06: Tolentino – Macerata
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 27.6 km
Duration: about 7 hours and 30 minutes
Height difference: +539 m / -473 m
From the center of Tolentino, the route follows the ancient route of Via Lauretana, passing through rural landscapes and historic villages. The recommended variant includes a visit to the Abbey of Chiaravalle di Fiastra, set in a nature reserve of great scenic value. From here, continue to Macerata, arriving at the Church of the Capuchins, just outside the city walls.
A fascinating journey that combines history, nature and spirituality, with significant STAGES such as the ancient Abbey of Fiastra and historic villages along the way.
STAGE 07
STAGE 07: Macerata – Loreto
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 34.2 km
Duration: about 7 hours and 45 minutes
Height difference: +513 m / -706 m
The last STAGE of Via Lauretana leads pilgrims to the heart of the Sanctuary of Loreto. Passing through historic villages such as Montecassiano, Recanati and Montelupone, the walk alternates between hilly paths and flat stretches until reaching the majestic Basilica of the Holy House.
This STAGE encompasses spirituality, history and nature, culminating in the symbolic place of Marian faith, a destination for pilgrimages from all over the world.
