The Way of St. Benedict, also known as the Camino di San Benedetto, is a 185-mile (300-kilometer) pilgrimage route in central Italy that follows the footsteps of St. Benedict of Norcia. The trail begins in Norcia, his birthplace, and culminates in Montecassino, where he wrote his famous Rule. It’s a 16-day walking pilgrimage that takes you through charming towns, monasteries, and stunning landscapes.
The route was created by Simone Frignani after walking the St. Francis Camino from Assisi to Rome and connects the most significant locations in the life of St. Benedict, including Norcia, Subiaco, and Montecassino.
The walk typically takes 16 days to complete, and is divided into stages, allowing for a more manageable walking experience and opportunities to experience local culture and cuisine. Along the way, you’ll encounter beautiful monasteries, abbeys, and other significant sites associated with Saint Benedict, such as the Carthusian monastery of Trisulti and the abbey of Casamari.
A wide range of accommodation is available, from commercial options like B&Bs and agritourismos to donative establishments (religious or secular).
Along the way, you can get a credential and have it stamped at various locations, receiving a certificate of completion at Montecassino.
For those with mobility problems, public transport is available between key stops like Norcia, Rieti, Mandela, and Subiaco, so that minimal walking is required.