“You walk out of curiosity, out of devotion, to discover yourself through the discovery of the landscape” – so the invitation to participate in the 2025 open paths, the national event that will open the doors to all those who wish to experience the charm of the slow journey, in contact with the nature and spirituality of the Italian territory, will open on 10 and 11 May.
Rediscovering Italy step by step
After the success of the first edition, open journey returns with a special edition 2025 that celebrates three of the most significant spiritual paths in Italy: The streets and paths of St. Francis, the streets and people of Lauretani and the path of San Benedetto.
An initiative strongly desired by the Ministry of Tourism, with the Umbria Capofila Region, which brings together five regions (Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, Marche, Tuscany and Umbria) in a unique project to enhance the Italian naturalistic and spiritual heritage.
The weekend of 10-11 May 2025 represents an unmissable opportunity for anyone who wants to approach the world of the paths or simply discover hidden corners of our country, with 27 free excursions guided by expert professionals along accessible paths (from 7 to 12 km) even to those who are at the first experiences.
How to participate
Participation is free but places are limited. Registration can be made through the official portal.
On the site you can honor the complete calendar of the 27 excursions, check the details of the routes (distance, difference in height, difficulties) discover the extraordinary openings provided, and register for the event you prefer.
The proposed routes are mainly in ring, with a length between 7 and 12 kilometers and a maximum difference in altitude of 300 meters, classified as tourist difficulties or hiking according to the CAI parameters.
Region by region itineraries
Emilia-Romagna
The Region offers paths along the streets and paths of St. Francis, a territory rich in Franciscan history and spirituality.
Among the proposals: a ring itinerary around Balze di Verghereto, in the heart of the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines, near the sources of the Tiber River with an extraordinary opening of the Franciscan convent in Sant’Agata Feltria, one of the most suggestive Franciscan convents in Italy.
Lazio
In Lazio, you can travel States of the path of San Benedetto and the streets of San Francesco:
The Ring of the Santa Santa (9 km), which will lead you through Contigliano, with the Baroque Collegiate of San Michele, and the Sanctuary of Greccio, where Francesco created the first re -enactment of the Nativity in 1223, with extraordinary opening of the Museum of Silence in Fara in Sabina, of the Erite Clarisse, a unique place inaugurated in 2004 that revolves around the concept of silence
Brands
In the Marche you can face the Streeti streets and paths. A 11.5 km excursion that touches the small village of Muccia and Camerino, an ancient university city, crossing wild and unspoiled stretches, with the extraordinary opening of the abbey of San Firmano, a precious Byzantine-Roman building with three naves with frescoes from 1400
Tuscany
In Tuscany, you can choose between itineraries linked to San Francesco and the Lauretane streets, a 9 km route in Cortona that combines hilly green areas and spiritual places such as the hermitage of the cells and the church of San Francesco with extraordinary opening of the parish church of Sant’Ippolito in Asciano, church dating back to the Lombard age (714 AD) with a fresco that could have been painted by a young Raphael
Umbria
Umbria, the beating heart of the paths, proposes experiences along the Via Di Francesco: paths that touch the territory of Assisi.
An excursion with panoramic views on Città di Castello, with a visit to the Botanical Garden of Alice Hallgarten and the Hermitage of the Buongiposo. The extraordinary opening of the three navatelle crypt of the Basilica of San Benedetto a Norcia, a building built where according to tradition was the birthplace of San Benedetto and Santa Scolastica
Open paths
Open paths 2025 represents a unique opportunity to rediscover the beauty of the slow journey, to connect with nature and with themselves, and to explore less beaten but rich in history, art and spirituality.
The initiative is based on three fundamental pillars:
Accessibility: thanks to the collaboration with Fish (Italian Federation for the rights of people with disabilities and families), the environmental guides have received specific training for the reception of walkers with particular needs.
Sustainability: in line with the approach of the slow journey, all the routes have been selected for their low environmental impact and to encourage connection with nature.
Spirituality: The three protagonists represent some of the most important spiritual itineraries in Italy, allowing you to get in touch with a deeper size of the trip.
