A roughly 20-kilometre route steeped in spirituality, history and landscape, tracing the footsteps of San Marino and St Francis of Assisi. The traditional “Pilgrimage in the steps of San Marino and St Francis” returns on Saturday, 29 August 2026, organised by the Diocese of San Marino-Montefeltro and the Diocese of Rimini, with the patronage of the Republic of San Marino’s Secretariat of State for Tourism.
The event forms part of the programme marking the feast of San Marino, patron saint and founder of the Republic, as well as the celebrations for the eighth centenary of the Franciscan tradition, 800 years since the death of St Francis of Assisi.
The walk sets off at 8.30am from the church of San Marino in Poggio Torriana. From there, pilgrims and faithful will make their way towards Titano along a moderately challenging route, with stops at Gualdicciolo and the Acquaviva spring. Lunch will be a packed meal.
Arrival is expected around 4pm at the Basilica del Santo, in the historic centre of San Marino, where the pilgrimage will conclude with a final blessing using the Relic of San Marino.
Participants are advised to wear light gear, including trekking shoes and to carry a water bottle. To make participation easier, a free shuttle service has also been arranged, departing at 7am from the Loggiati in Borgo Maggiore and arriving in Poggio Torriana at 7.45am. Bookings can be made by contacting Gianfranco Ugolini at 335 690 9868.
The 29 August walk will also be one of several events leading up to the celebrations on 3 September. The Apostolic Penitentiary is granting a Plenary Indulgence to those who take part in the pilgrimage or in the Eucharistic celebrations held at the Basilica.
The religious programme will continue on Wednesday, 2 September, at 9pm with a prayer vigil for young people. On Thursday, 3 September, the feast day of San Marino, a Solemn Mass will be celebrated at 10am, followed by a procession with the Saint’s Relic.
This year’s pilgrimage carries particular significance in light of the celebrations marking 800 years since the death of St Francis of Assisi in 1226. The initiative is part of the programme “St Francis and Freedom: 800 Years of Peace, Fraternity and Care for Creation,” which — through conferences, walks, concerts and philatelic and numismatic initiatives — aims to rediscover and highlight the historic bond between St Francis and the Republic of San Marino.
