Sanctuary of Poggio Bustone

In the woods that surround the village of Poggio Bustone stands the fourth Franciscan sanctuary that, according to history, welcomed St. Francis during one of his pilgrimages. The construction of the sanctuary complex dates back to the 13th century. Here Francis saw the beginning of his community adventure: the sharing and harmonization of relations between his “brothers” and the creation of the first Franciscan Brotherhood. Moreover, the Superior Cave saw the true spiritual birth of Francis in a moment when, abandoned in the faith, he became aware that, just him - a sinner, he was forgiven and loved by God. According to the sources, this is where the saint addressed the famous greeting to the inhabitants of Poggio Bustone: "Good morning, good people!". The sanctuary hosts the church of Saint James, built in the late 14th century. Today the friars welcome the pilgrims in a small guest house of the convent and also take care of the parish of the village. The access to the cave of Revelations (or Upper Sanctuary) is possible after a 30-minutes walk along a path lined with six small chapels built in the 17th century, reminding various episodes that occurred to the Saint during his frequent ascents to this place of prayer.