"As you proclaim peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart." Saint Francis of Assisi.
In Arezzo, immersed in the green Casentino forests, stands the Sanctuary of La Verna. This majestic structure, dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, is a place of pilgrimage every year for hundreds of faithful and beyond. For pilgrims, the Sanctuary represents a place where, thanks to solitude, spirituality and contact with nature, the soul and the body get closer and reunite. In fact, according to history, San Francesco went to Mount Verna (Vernia in ancient Tuscan) to find peace in a place far from the people, a place that could convey serenity and tranquility.
The origins of the Sanctuary of La Verna
The Sanctuary has ancient origins, its construction has its roots in the thirteenth century, between the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Renaissance, and brings with it all the glory and influence of those years.
In addition to being a true spectacle from an architectural point of view, this monument to the memory of St. Francis is a refuge for the faithful, hosting those who seek that silence and peace that only places like this can offer. Located in Chiusi della Verna, the Sanctuary is able to accommodate all those who wish to visit or stop there, whether they are believers or simple visitors in search of serenity and contact with nature.
The Casentinese forest
The Casentinese forest that embraces and surrounds the Sanctuary is full of beech and fir trees and is the perfect place to find yourself. Numerous paths that can be traveled on foot penetrate into the heart of the forest, revealing pristine and beautiful places. Given the ever-increasing presence of pilgrims, over the years the monastery has given rise, thanks to the initiative of the Franciscan friars, to a museum and an art gallery. Crossing the numerous rooms you will find yourself on a journey through history, religion and culture of all respect. Going to the sanctuary and spending days in the company of the friars, the faithful, the people who go there for prayer will give you new life.
The events at the sanctuary of La Verna
The friars who live in the monastery organize events of a religious and cultural nature. They know how to be very welcoming and friendly, opening the doors of the monastery to participate in the liturgy, or simply visit the rooms open to the public. Remember to book, this place is very coveted especially if you are a mountain lover.
History
Saint Francis of Assisi traveling with Brother Leone he crossed the Montefeltro region. Arriving near the castle, S. Leo heard people celebrating, so he took the opportunity to speak to the crowd and tell his prayer. There he met Count Orlando Catani of Chiusi in Casentino. He was so impressed by Francesco's words and actions that he decided to give him the Vernia mountain as a gift.
Arezzo
Famous for a thousand reasons, as beautiful as few, this splendid Tuscan city retains something magical inside. City of art and culture, it has given birth to personalities of the caliber of Francesco Petrarca and Guido d'Arezzo (even if the exact hometown of the latter is uncertain). The city has about one hundred thousand inhabitants but the feeling you get when you go to Arezzo is that of being in a small town. The characters of the city are typically Tuscan but strongly unique, with beautiful medieval buildings with soft and warm colors. Of Etruscan origin, the city still retains evidence of the ancient civilization. The oldest university in Tuscany and Europe is from Arezzo. As often happens when you visit this region, you will not be able to decide which city, monument or place will have hit your heart the most.
