San Marino to host pilgrimage for Saint Francis 800th anniversary

The Church of San Marino-Montefeltro and the Diocese of Rimini, supported by the San Marino State Secretariat for Tourism, have announced the traditional ‘Pilgrimage on the steps of San Marino and Saint Francis’ scheduled for August 29, 2026.

The 20-kilometer spiritual itinerary begins at 8:30 AM from the Church of San Marino in Poggio Torriana and concludes at 4:00 PM at the Basilica of the Saint in San Marino City. The route includes stops at Gualdicciolo and the Acquaviva spring. This event is part of a broader celebration marking the anniversary of the founding of the Republic of San Marino and the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Religious observances will continue into early September, including a youth prayer vigil on September 2 and a solemn Mass with a procession featuring the Saint's relic on September 3. The Apostolic Penitentiary has granted plenary indulgence to participants. The festivities are part of the ‘Saint Francis and Freedom’ program, which commemorates the historical connection between the Saint and the Republic.