he Sanctuary of La Verna is located a few kilometres from Chiusi della Verna (province of Arezzo), within the national park of the Casentinesi Forests, Monte Falterona and Campigna. It is famous for being the place where St Francis of Assisi received the stigmata on 14 September 1224, two years before his death. Today the sanctuary is visited by many pilgrims and hosts chapels and places of prayer and recollection.

In August 1921, Pope Benedict XV elevated the church to the rank of minor basilica.

The 13th century church of Santa Maria degli Angeli was built after the apparition of the Virgin Mary to St Francis and houses numerous relics of the saint. Of particular interest to pilgrims is the habit worn by St Francis when he received the stigmata.

The most important works of the 15th century sculptor Andrea della Robbia are also kept here.

The Franciscan path, which pilgrims have walked devoutly for centuries, unfolds through the Sasso Spicco, where the saint used to pray, the Convent, the cells and the chapels.

The friars who run the basilica are assisted in their work by the Clarist Franciscan Missionaries of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Official Sanctuary of La Verna website