The Way of St Benedict, from Norcia to Rieti

The journey begins in Norcia, a place of deep history and resilience. As the birthplace of St. Benedict, it marks the start of the trail, but it also tells a story of rebirth. The 2016 earthquake left its mark, yet Norcia stands strong—just like the façade of the Basilica of St. Benedict, which resisted the tremors. Today, this charming town in the Monti Sibillini welcomes visitors with its enduring spirit, breathtaking landscapes, and rich traditions, making it the perfect starting point for an inspiring journey.
 

 
 
 

 

The first day of walking leads to Cascia, a hidden gem surrounded by forests and the birthplace of Saint Rita. The route begins gently, crossing the Plain of St. Scholastica before climbing the hills above the Nerina Valley, offering stunning views. Midway, a stop in Fogliano is perfect for tasting local dishes, and if time allows, a visit to the Piconi Farm offers the chance to discover and purchase regional grains and legumes, including the prized Roveja. In Cascia, a visit to the 12th-century Monastery of Santa Rita is a must—still home to cloistered nuns, it is steeped in history and devotion.

Distance: 17 km

Elevation Gain: +560/-480 m

A stage filled with breathtaking scenery, starting with the Santa Rita Trail, a stunning path carved into the rock, running along the hillside and overlooking the meadows and the Corno River Valley.

The route leads to the Sacro Scoglio of Roccaporena, perched atop a rocky spur. According to tradition, Saint Rita prayed here with such devotion that the imprints of her knees and elbows remained etched in the stone.

The journey continues through the lush Corno River Valley, a landscape of rare beauty, before reaching Monteleone di Spoleto. Here, you can visit the 14th-century Church and Convent of St. Francis, home to a bronze replica of an ornate 6th-century BC Etruscan chariot—the original, discovered in this very region, is now housed in New York.

Monteleone is also renowned for its DOP farro, an excellent local product and a perfect edible souvenir from the journey.

Along the route you reach Colle del Capitano, site of important archaeological discoveries. 

Distance: 17,5 km

Elevation Gain: +690/-336 m

A short and flat stage, passing through small villages and fields cultivated with farro and potatoes, inhabited by cows and horses, all while being accompanied by the stunning Reatine Mountains that provide a picturesque backdrop throughout the journey.

The destination is Leonessa, founded in 1278 by Charles of Anjou to strengthen the northern border of the Kingdom of Naples. The town flourished in the 16th century, thanks to the wool trade.

The village and its charming streets are captivating year-round, but they come alive with their original 16th-century spirit during the Palio del Velluto, a festival held in June that attracts visitors from all over the region. Another tasty event? The Sagra della Patata Leonessana, a potato festival held on the second weekend of October.

Distance: 13 km

Elevation Gain: +240/-230 m

On this stage, you will immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of the Reatine Mountains, reaching an altitude of 1500 meters. The beautiful beech forests surround you and guide your path, leading you to a descent with breathtaking views of the Santa Valley.

These forests once marked the border between the Papal States and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, with boundary markers still visible today.

You will then reach Poggio Bustone, a place deeply loved by Saint Francis. Here, you can visit the San Giacomo Sanctuary and the Sacro Speco, a small cave that Saint Francis chose for meditation and prayer, offering magnificent views of the town and the entire Santa Valley.

Distance: 15 km

Elevation Gain: +646/-1022 m

Today, you can enjoy a relaxing descent from the Reatine Mountains to the bottom of the Santa Valley, surrounded by stunning landscapes. Along the way, you’ll pass the charming village of Cantalice, with its San Felice Sanctuary—named after a miracle by Saint Felice, who caused a fresh water spring to gush forth here—and La Foresta, a sanctuary and oasis of great peace.

The descent continues to Rieti, a Papal and Franciscan city known for its baroque churches and Renaissance buildings. Here, you can visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, or if you’re seeking something unusual, explore Rieti Sotterranea: a tour of the ancient Roman city that extends beneath the central Via Roma, with the remains of the Roman viaduct and other treasures.

Distance: 12 km

Elevation Gain: +395/-594m

Our services end after breakfast. 

For our trips, we always choose accommodation with private rooms and private bathrooms. In rare cases, shared accommodations or shared bathrooms may be provided, so we recommend carefully checking the inclusions section to understand the type of accommodation included in the trip you are interested in.  

We place great importance on the choice of accommodations and select hotels with care and attention. We understand how essential it is to rest well after a day of walking. We always prefer cozy and characteristic establishments, preferably family-run, that fully embody the spirit of the place and offer hospitality with courtesy and comfort.  

Where, due to the nature of the route, accommodation options are limited, we choose the one that best aligns with our standards.

The Way of St Benedict from Norcia to Rieti is a beautiful route, following in the footsteps of the Saint, through a stunning natural landscape with ever-changing views, immersed in the breathtaking scenery of the Apennines. Like all multi-day walks, it is recommended for those who are already familiar with walking long distances over several days. The trail includes some rocky sections (so good stability is required) and a few challenging days with significant ascents and steep descents. While it is not a technical route, good fitness and experience with this type of hike are essential.