La Verna
Located in the Tuscan Apennines, this Franciscan pilgrimage site near the town of Chiusi della Verna is of significant spiritual and historical importance, particularly for followers of the Franciscan tradition, as it is closely associated with Saint Francis of Assisi.
Opening hours
The sanctuary
Every day from 6.30 am to 9.30 pm.
Chapel of the Stigmata
From 8 am to 7 pm from April to October, and from 8 am to 5 pm from November to March.
Shop
Daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
Masses
Daily at 8 am, 11 am and 4 pm,
Sundays and holidays:
at 10 am (July and August only)
at 12.15 pm and 5.30 pm (April to December only).
In addition, on Thursdays at 6 pm there is Eucharistic adoration, and on Saturdays at 6.30 pm the celebration of the rosary.
In 1224, Saint Francis of Assisi retreated to La Verna seeking solitude and a deeper connection with God. It was during this time of prayer and contemplation that Francis experienced the phenomenon of the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, becoming the first recorded person to bear the marks of Christ's crucifixion. This event solidified La Verna's place as a sacred site within the Franciscan tradition.
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The sanctuary complex at La Verna includes various buildings, chapels, and shrines spread across the mountainous terrain. The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli stands at the heart of the sanctuary and houses the Chapel of the Stigmata, where Saint Francis is believed to have received the stigmata. Other notable structures within the complex include the Chapel of the Crucifix, the Chapel of Saint Jerome, and the Chapel of the Resurrection.
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La Verna is nestled in the middle of a dense forest offering visitors a serene and tranquil environment and the rugged landscape and panoramic views add to the sanctity and beauty of the site.
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Throughout the year, La Verna attracts thousands of pilgrims from around the world who pay homage to Saint Francis and participate in the rich spiritual traditions associated with the sanctuary. The Feast of the Stigmata of Saint Francis, observed on September 17th, is a particularly important pilgrimage event, drawing large crowds of faithful devotees.​
