DAY 19 - VALFABBRICA to ASSISI - 9 May 2026

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Today we had cappuccino and honey wholemeal croissants in the bakery in Valfabbrica before heading out on a misty Via di Francesco. We passed a wall mural depicting scenes from St Francis's life. We followed a sometimes muddy track up into the hills. 

At the top, we had wonderful views through to Assisi. Some pilgrims passed us, stopping for a brief chat. Another couple passed us as we ate our 'girelle' on a bench. In several places, we saw statues and offerings to St Francis. 

After a steady climb, we arrived at the Basilica of St Francis of Assisi - with everyone else, it seemed. We found our way through the crowds to the Pilgrims' Office, where we were issued a special testimonium commemorating 800 years since the death of St Francis. 

We joined the queue to shuffle around the Basilica - beautiful, but we found the crowds intense after the quiet of the Via. 

We had a late lunch of pasta and salad then explored our surroundings. Today is the last day of Calendimaggio, Assisi's medieval fair,  and we saw many costumes and decorations associated with it. We can still hear the performances in the nearby square, although only ticket holders can actually view them. 

We found the family house where St Francis is thought to have been born. We visited San Damiano where St Francis wrote his Canticle of the Creatures. It was near closing when we visited and the experience was much more peaceful than the Basilica, especially as the church is set in the country and is simple, rather than opulent. 

A gelato and some people watching completed the day. 

A bakery breakfast, Valfabbrica 
St Francis mural, Valfabbrica 
A misty start to the walk
Some recent rainfall made for a few tricky sections on the path
There was quite a lot of uphill for such a short stage
Umbrian hillsides on the way to Assisi 
A trio of fellow walkers
A miniature Cruz de Ferro taking shape on the Via di Francesco
Morning tea,  brought from this morning's bakery
A wonderful, scenic path took us into Assisi
Into Assisi 
Down to the upper cathedral
Outside the lower cathedral, to collect our testimoniums and join the queue to go in
The mass of people heading into the city 
A selfie to celebrate arriving in Assisi
And then joining the crowds in the city
A bird's eye view of the Calendimaggio preparations
In amongst the participants
Some colourful Calendimaggio costumes
More scenes from Calendimaggio 
The house where St Francis is reputed to have  born
Flower art outside the Basilica di Santa Chiara
Lookout. People everywhere. 
Lunch - what to choose?
Good choice
Basilica di Santa Chiara
Back uphill to Assisi after visiting San Damiano
A welcome gelato
Piazza Santa Chiara 
Basilica di Santa Chiara
Today's bits and pieces
Flowers, a bee, and two frolicking snails
Birds
Pilgrim credential and Via di Francesco testimoniums
Day 19 - Map
Day:                               19
Distance:                      15.47 km
Walking time:               3 hrs 34 mins
Elevation gain:             604 metres
Cumulative distance:  359.97 km

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