The Itinerary of Faith

The Saint Anthony Pilgrimage is a journey that retraces some of the most significant stages of the life of Saint Anthony of Padova. Designed by the Conventual Franciscan Friars, the Saint Anthony Pilgrimage was conceived in 1995 as a recreation of the Last Journey undertaken by Anthony between Camposampiero (PD) and Padua on June 13, 1231. Since 2010, the pilgrimage has been extended to the sanctuary of La Verna (AR), passing through Bologna, the Hermitage of Montepaolo, and the Abbey of Camaldoli.

In 2021, another extension was inaugurated, connecting Padua to Gemona del Friuli (UD), where the first sanctuary in the world dedicated to Saint Anthony is located. For this 270-kilometer stretch, the cycling version is set to be inaugurated soon. Today, the main section of the Saint Anthony Pilgrimage crosses four regions (Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany) for a total of 680 kilometers divided into 32 stages. The Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua, the main destination of the pilgrimage, can also be reached through regional variants from Venice and Bassano del Grappa (VI).

Finally, since 2022, it has been possible to follow the arrows of the Saint Anthony Pilgrimage towards Padua starting from Lazio, thanks to the agreement with the Saint Benedict Pilgrimage, from Cassino (FR) to Rieti, and with the Umbrian Regional Pilgrimages Network, particularly with the Via di Francesco, for the section from Rieti to La Verna.

The Credential of the Saint Anthony Pilgrimage, an official document issued in paper form by the Conventual Franciscan Friars of the Basilica of Saint Anthony, attests to the authenticity of the pilgrimage and the path traveled. The Credential can be requested online on the official website and picked up at the designated points or received by mail. During the journey, pilgrims can collect stamps at the sanctuaries and, upon completion, receive the Testimonium, the final certificate of the spiritual journey.