Franciscan Sanctuary of La Verna

The Franciscan Sanctuary of La Verna and Mount Penna seen from Beccia, part of the municipality of Chiusi della Verna.

La Verna is the sacred mountain of Franciscan contemplation, in the heart of the Casentino, at an altitude of 1283 meters. They call it the "Seraphic Calvary". Here Francis of Assisi received the last seal of the stigmata. Over the centuries, the holy place was enriched with buildings and works of art.

Today there is a guesthouse inside the convent for individuals, families or groups who want to stay.

The Franciscan sanctuary of La Verna, located a few kilometers from Chiusi della Verna (province of Arezzo), within the national park of the Casentinesi Forests, Monte Falterona and Campigna, is famous for being the place where St. Francis of Assisi received the stigmata on September 14, 1224.

Built in the southern part of Mount Penna at an altitude of 1128 meters, the sanctuary - a destination for numerous pilgrims - hosts numerous chapels and places of prayer and meditation, as well as several points of considerable religious importance.

In August 1921, Pope Benedict XV raised the church to the rank of a minor basilica.

«I have in Tuscany a very devoted mountain which is called Monte della Vernia, which is very solitary and savable and is too well suited to those who want to do penance, in a place removed from the people, or to those who want to lead a solitary life. If you liked him, I would gladly give you to you and your companions for the health of my soul. "

(Count Orlando Catani di Chiusi della Verna before donating the mountain to St. Francis of Assisi, 1213.)

Map: Franciscan Sanctuary of La Verna