With Francesco and Father Elia – From San Gemini to the Hermitage at Poggio Azzuano

The journey begins in the central square of San Gemini, where the church dedicated to Saint Francis stands; here he performed several miracles. Leaving the village, the trail follows an unmarked path. After passing Colle Capretto, it reaches a paved road leading to the San Gemini springs. The route continues briefly along the uphill road toward Cesi, then a trail leads to Via Carsulae; follow it to the right until the junction with the Carsulana provincial road. From here, the path climbs past the few houses of Poggio Azzuano.

At this point, the CAI 672 trail begins, quickly bringing hikers to the ruins of the Santa Caterina church, near which an ancient village destroyed in the Middle Ages once stood. The trail continues with a challenging ascent through a holm oak forest to reach the Romita convent: an extraordinary site restored over the past thirty years, preserving the Franciscan spirit intact (for visits, call 0744 283006). For the return, one can follow the Trail of the First Franciscan Martyrs to Carsulae and then back to San Gemini.

The departure point for this captivating route is itself a fascinating location: the village of San Gemini, in Piazza San Francesco, between the Rione Piazza and Rione Rocca districts. Famous for its mineral waters, San Gemini offers a timeless atmosphere, a labyrinth of streets and alleys, small squares, houses, churches, and medieval palaces that reveal, by surprise, panoramic views of the Martani mountains and the Terni valley. San Gemini is easily reached by car via the SS 3 Bis, just a few hundred meters from its exit. Parking is available near the square.