On the occasion of the eight hundredth anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi (1226–2026), Umbria International Airport – dedicated to his name – pays tribute to a figure who, through his example and his message of peace, fraternity, respect for nature and openness to dialogue, continues to speak to the heart of humanity.
The Franciscan message — essential and universal — is more relevant than ever: an invitation to rediscover the values of welcome, care, kindness and reconciliation in a time that deeply needs them.
To mark this anniversary, the airport has introduced a special commemorative version of its brand, used across institutional and communication platforms, and has launched a pathway to share his message through symbolic, cultural and narrative initiatives dedicated to travel, encounter and living testimony.
“Peace is not a word, but a life to be lived.”
Francis, a journey that continues
Francis was an tireless pilgrim. He walked through villages, forests, hamlets and roads across Umbria, Italy and beyond, carrying his message through simple yet profound gestures.
The airport becomes, symbolically, a gateway to those places, offering a first glimpse of a unique land where spirituality, nature and culture coexist in harmony.
“At times I withdrew into caves or forests for days. I returned with a serene face.”
Some Franciscan Places in Umbria and Beyond
Assisi
Rivotorto e Spoleto
Places linked to the first spiritual experiences of Francis and the origins of the Franciscan fraternity. In Rivotorto, the Sacro Tugurio preserves the humble life of prayer of the first friars. At Monteluco, immersed in an ancient sacred forest and near caves frequented by hermits since the early Christian age, stands the Sanctuary of Saint Francis — a place of silence and contemplation.
Gubbio
Renowned for the encounter with the wolf — a symbol of reconciliation and peace — a pivotal event in Francis’s life and message. Surrounded by green hills and ancient woods, the medieval city offers breathtaking views and a deep sense of spiritual immersion.
Perugia
In the area of the Mercato Coperto, near the newly established “Chocolate City”, visitors can access and explore the site where Francis was held prisoner after the Battle of Collestrada. That experience of captivity marked a decisive moment of reflection and transformation in his spiritual journey.
Narni
Rich in spiritual resonance, the Sacro Speco was one of Francis’s most cherished hermit retreats. In the heart of the forest, a natural cleft in the rock served as his place of prayer and meditation. Nearby, the friars built a small stone cell, still preserved today — an intimate place, immersed in nature, that retains the atmosphere of his solitude and reflection.
Stroncone
According to tradition, this convent was founded by Francis during his travels through the Terni region. One of the oldest connected to his presence, it preserves the original layout and bears witness to the simple and fraternal life of the early friars — an essential and collected place, keeping the memory of his passage alive.
La Verna
Located in Tuscany, it is where Francis received the stigmata in 1224. The sanctuary preserves the Chapel of the Stigmata, a place of deep devotion. The surrounding forest — a magnificent mix of beech and silver fir — remains largely untouched, nestled in the heart of the Casentino National Park.
Greccio
In the province of Rieti, this is where Francis created the first live Nativity scene in history (1223), expressing the values of humility, fraternity and incarnation.
“The Earth is our mother and our sister. It does not belong to us — it has been entrusted to us.”
THE FRANCISCAN PATHS: A GENUINE WAY TO EXPERIENCE THE LAND
Francis’s message continues to live on through the trails that cross Umbria, linking hermitages, forests, sanctuaries and ancient villages. Walkable on foot or by bicycle, these slow and spiritual routes offer a meaningful experience of journey, reflection and discovery — through nature, silence and memory.
I Cammini di Francesco: un modo autentico per vivere il territorio
Il messaggio di Francesco continua a vivere nei cammini che attraversano l’Umbria, collegando eremi, boschi, santuari e antichi borghi. Percorribili a piedi o in bicicletta, questi itinerari lenti e spirituali offrono un’esperienza profonda di viaggio, meditazione e scoperta del territorio, tra natura, silenzio e memoria.
Francis and the World: A Message without Borders
Today, Francis is a global symbol — ambassador of peace, patron saint of Italy, protector of the environment and of friendship among peoples. His message continues to inspire believers and non-believers alike, fostering dialogue between cultures, languages and spiritual traditions.
“Fraternity is stronger than war.”
Discover events, spiritual and cultural itineraries, and official celebrations of the Octocentenary:
Explore
the many Franciscan sites
in Umbria:
For all flight information
to/from
Perugia:
Discover events, spiritual and cultural itineraries, and official celebrations of the Octocentenary:
Explore the many Franciscan sites in Umbria:
For all flight information to/from Perugia:
The quotations on this page are taken from “E se tornasse Francesco?” by Father Enzo Fortunato (San Paolo Edizioni, 2025), used for cultural and educational purposes.
