“Cultural Route of the Council of Europe” certified in 2025

Saint Francis of Assisi (1182–1226) is one of the most influential figures in Christian history, known for his radical commitment to peace, humility and care for all living beings. Renouncing a life of wealth and privilege, he chose instead a path of poverty and service, inspiring a movement that reshaped spiritual and social life across Europe. His teachings gave rise to the Franciscan Order, which rapidly expanded throughout Christendom. Franciscans established a presence and travelled across Europe – but also undertook missions to Syria, North Africa, India and China. The legacy of Saint Francis endures in his message of peace, humility, compassion and care for the natural world. Franciscans travelled by foot and on horseback to cities, towns and remote villages, uniting contemplation with action, and material poverty with service to others. 

Heritage

Saint Francis’ Ways are built around three key pillars of the Franciscan legacy. The first is a network of European universities either founded by Franciscans, shaped by Franciscan thought or connected to Franciscan culture. The second is a rich heritage of cultural sites – religious and secular – including monasteries, archives, libraries, artworks and architectural landmarks that reflect the enduring Franciscan presence in Europe. The third is the network of walking paths developed since the 1990s, particularly in central Italy and France, which invites travellers to follow in the footsteps of Saint Francis. 

While grounded in Christian tradition, the route speaks to universal values: peace, dialogue, simplicity and respect for the environment. By making Franciscan ideals accessible to people of all backgrounds, it transforms a spiritual legacy into a shared European heritage. 

Travelling today

The routes vary in scale and form. Travellers can explore the wide range of universities and cultural sites associated with the Franciscans, as well as walk paths trodden by Saint Francis himself.