St. Francis of Assisi was attracted by the Sabina above all other parts of Italy. The Sabina hills saw the first Franciscan preaching and the religious prayer that Francis addressed to God from the wildest and most inaccessible natural surroundings. Following in the footsteps of St. Francis through the “Valle Santa” (Sacred Valley), visitors will be amazed by nature and mysticism. The area still preserves four sanctuaries which are a widespread evidence of the presence of the Saint during the early part of his life. Francis, during his long stay in Sabina left important traces which legend has tended to amplify.

• Greccio: a convent complex (the first monk’s dormitory, kitchen, refectory and the cell where Francis slept on bare rock) immersed in a forest of ilex trees on the site of a mountain. On Christmas 1223, Francis set up here the first Christmas creche using human figures and live animals.
• Fonte Colombo: a convent complex consisting in the church of Sts. Francis and Bernardine, the church of St. Francis’ hermitage and the “Sacro Speco” (Holy Cave) a natural cave where Francis had the vision of Christ that confirmed the strict Rule of the Franciscan Order (1223).
• Poggio Bustone: a convent complex consisting in the convent of St. Giacomo (cloister, refectory with frescos, the Speco (cave) inhabited by Francis) at 818 m. asl and the hermitage on the site of a mountain at 1075 m. asl, Francis’ favourite dwelling place had his eyes treated.
• La Foresta: a convent complex consisting in the church of St. Fabiano with frescos of the 15 century, the church of S. Maria, the cloister, the convent with the refectory in which Francis is said to have performed the miracle of the wine and the cave where the Saint stayed in solitude and composed the “Canticle of Creation”, a song of love for creation (1225).