Via Lauretana

In short: Via Lauretana: from Assisi to Loreto. Length: around 150 km, duration: about 1 week. Best time: Spring and autumn.

Overview

Loreto in the Marche is one of Italy's most important Marian shrines. The basilica holds the Santa Casa, by tradition Mary's house from Nazareth.

The route leads from Assisi through the Apennines into the Marche and then approaches the Adriatic over the hills. Several variants are possible, and the length depends on the one you choose.

At about a week the route fits well into a holiday, and you can link it to the Way of St Francis.

Planning your stages

How long you need depends on your daily distance. The table works this out for 150 kilometres, with one rest day a week.

Who is this route for?

With some hiking experience this route is very manageable. Expect climbs and keep your days from getting too long.

What does the route cost?

With an albergue or simple guesthouse and one hot meal, 60 to 80 euros a day is usually enough. Over about 9 days that comes to roughly 550 to 700 euros, plus travel and gear. This is a guide figure.

You can find more routes under Pilgrimage routes in Europe, Pilgrimage in Italy, sorted by religion under Christian pilgrimage routes.