Via di Francesco - Rieti to Rome

The final section of the Via di Francesco carries pilgrims from Rieti, the heart of the Valley of St. Francis, to the gates of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It is a journey of rural landscapes, olive groves, Roman ruins, and the surprising green spaces that lead into the Eternal City. The route remains peaceful through Lazio’s rolling countryside before gradually entering Rome’s northern districts and finishing at the Vatican — one of the most emotional moments of the pilgrimage.

Leaving Rieti, pilgrims climb into hills dotted with farms, oak woods, and stone villages before reaching Poggio San Lorenzo, long a stop for travelers along the ancient Via Salaria. The path rolls south to Ponticelli, crossing agricultural land and quiet valleys. The walk to Monterotondo is the longest stage, crossing ridge lines and open countryside toward a lively hill town with sweeping views toward Rome.

From Monterotondo, the route begins its approach into the metropolitan area. Yet it remains surprisingly green, passing parks, villas, and glimpses of the distant city skyline. Monte Sacro, a northern Roman district, marks the first true entrance into modern Rome. The final stage leads along riverside paths, neighborhood streets, and green corridors toward Vatican City. Approaching St. Peter’s Square on foot, with pilgrims and clergy from all nations, is the triumphant end of the Via di Francesco.

Pilgrim Paths arranges lodging from Rieti to Rome and provides Sandy Brown’s e-guidebook and access to the Pilgrim Paths Navigo app with curated GPS tracks. This final section completes the long Franciscan route from La Verna and Assisi to the tomb of the Apostle Peter — a pilgrimage ending in one of the most iconic holy places in the world.