The walk of St Francis of Paola

Anyone arriving in Calabria, even for the first time, quickly notices how deeply the region has woven its cultural identity around Saint Francis of Paola. Traces of his presence—a monastery, a chapel, a mountain path, a legend—are scattered across villages and landscapes, interlacing popular devotion, history and identity into a single enduring thread. From these signs, both grand and humble, the idea of Il Cammino di San Francesco di Paola (The Walk of Saint Francis of Paola) was born: a walking, cultural and spiritual journey that follows, stage by stage, the paths once taken by Calabria’s Patron Saint.

Launched in 2017 and still evolving, the project can be described as a “biography on a map.” The Walk of Saint Francis of Paola is composed of several distinct routes, each one tracing a historically documented journey undertaken by Francis of Paola during his 91 years of life. Together, these paths form a complete itinerary that highlights key moments of transformation and personal growth. 

The Walk follows Francis as an adolescent returning to Paola from San Marco Argentano after fulfilling a vow made by his parents, Via del Giovane (Walk of the Young); it accompanies him from Paola to Paterno to establish a new monastery, Via dell’Eremita (Walk of the Hermit); it traces his mature years as he moves between the monasteries of Paola, Paterno, Spezzano, and Corigliano, Via dei Monasteri (Walk of the Monasteries); and finally, it follows his journey to France to reach the royal court, Via per la Francia (Walk to France).

At present, four routes—covering a total of 315 kilometres—are walkable. Future plans include the Via per la Sicilia (Walk to Sicily) and the Pellgrinaggio ad Assisi (Pilgrimage to Assisi), completing the full spiritual and historical map of the saint’s life.

The Walk of Saint Francis of Paola was conceived and developed as a genuine cultural asset, rooted in three complementary dimensions that make the journey simultaneously physical, cultural, and spiritual.

The natural dimension showcases an exceptionally rich landscape, particularly in the Monti della Catena Costiera—one of Calabria’s lesser-known areas, still preserved in its authentic state. Here, dense beech forests offer shade and comfort even in summer, while sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea from over a thousand metres above sea level provide a breathtaking visual experience.

The cultural dimension is grounded in local traditions, folklore, and flavours. The Walk offers a direct encounter with Calabria’s intangible heritage: patronal festivals, ancient crafts, folk songs, and local products tell the story of a region that still lives with the rhythms and community spirit of the past.

The historical and religious dimension preserves and communicates the legacy of Saint Francis of Paola—a figure best understood through a rigorous historical lens. As such, the Walk becomes a true pilgrimage: retracing the key stages of the Saint’s life while offering insights that allow his example to resonate with the challenges and values of today.

The Association that manages and promotes The Walk of Saint Francis of Paola operates with a narrative approach inspired by the life of the Saint himself. Its storytelling goes beyond recounting events—it transforms them into a shared, lived experience. Travellers retrace Francis’s footsteps, embodying his values of humility, simplicity, essentialness, and care for creation and others.

In an age dominated by fast-paced marketing, the Association embraces a style that blends authenticity with innovation. While digital and interactive tools help extend the experience’s reach, traditional storytelling methods are equally valued, fostering a sense of belonging and conveying an honest image of the region.

This narrative approach is brought to life through immersive initiatives along the route. Among the most symbolic are the sculptural silhouettes placed in locations like Palazzello and Marano Principato—San Francesco in cammino (Saint Francis on the Walk) and San Francesco Benedetto (Blessed Saint Francis)—which visually express the Saint’s deep connection to his homeland. Likewise, milestone illustrations found along each stage depict pivotal episodes from his life. Through the dedicated app, travellers can instantly access the stories behind each image, enriching their journey in real time.

The Walk of Saint Francis of Paola means embracing a slower pace—one that invites attention, presence, and a deeper connection to the landscape. Pilgrims can choose to travel independently, using downloadable GPS tracks or the free app, which displays their live position along with nearby points of interest, water sources, and rest areas. Alternatively, they can join guided group journeys organized by the Association, complete with expert hiking guides and carefully planned itineraries.

In both cases, pilgrims carry a credential—a kind of passport that is stamped at each stage. Upon completing at least three stages, they are eligible to receive the Testimonium, a certificate of pilgrimage, at one of the Sanctuaries of Saint Francis.

The Walk is designed to be travelled on foot, horseback, or by bicycle, although some stretches include steep or uneven terrain. Each stage concludes in a historic town, where travellers can enjoy thoughtfully selected accommodations and sample local cuisine rooted in tradition and authenticity. 

Thanks to the work of a dedicated team of professionals—combining historical research, route planning, and territorial promotion—the Walk of Saint Francis of Paola has earned notable institutional recognition. In 2017, it was included in the Atlas of Italian Paths by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism; in 2023, it was added to the Catalogue of Religious Paths by the Ministry of Tourism, and the Way of the Young received the Paths and Trails quality certification from the Touring Club Italiano. The Calabria Club in Melbourne is also proud to be a Friend of Il Cammino di San Francesco di Paola.

An official printed guide—covering both the Walk of the Young and the Walk of the Hermit—is available, published by Terre di Mezzo. For more information or to plan your journey, visit www.ilcamminodisanfrancesco.it