Stage 3: Consuma to Stia

Consuma to Stia

Starting from the Consuma Pass, the path steeply descends down forested trails and farm roads through quaint villages Gualdo and Castel Castagnaio. Recommend hiking poles for the first half of the trail.

Pilgrims will enjoy stunning panoramic views before arriving at the charming historic center of Stia, a small town on the banks of the Arno River.

Stage 2: Pontassieve to Consuma

Stage 4: Stia to Camaldoli

GPX Maps

We strongly recommend pilgrims use offline GPX to navigate the trails.

AllTrails: Open GPX Stage 3 >

See all GPX files >

How to use GPX? See our recommended apps and their instructions >

Quick Glance

Start:
Consuma, Chalet Il Valico

Finish:
Stia, Santa Maria Church

Distance:

18 km

(11.2 mi)

Travel Time:
6 hours

Total Ascent:
462 meters

Total Descent:
1088 meters

Trail Surface:
Forest trail, loose big rocks on descending path. Need poles.

Trail Signs:
Occasional. Recommend GPX

Water Sources:
Several water sources marked on GPX

Food:
No food between Consuma and Stia. Pick up snacks at Ristorante Consumi. In Stia, enjoy pizza at Pizzeria Da Vincenzo, pastries at Pasticceria La Piazza. Coop market in Stia is final market before La Verna.

Navigation Notes:
Side trail halfway allows pilgrims to stop at San Jacopo Church in Villa (only open on weekends)

Services at Stage Destination:
Laundry, Farmacia, Restaurants, Coop Market, Post Office, Bank

Quick Links

Preparation

Stage 3 is moderately challenging, with some steep, yet short descents. The terrain includes forested mountain paths, farm roads, and several stream crossings. Consider learning proper technique with hiking poles to support your walk. Consult the GPX map for water points, and grab snacks before leaving Consuma, as there’s no food or services until Stia.

Church of Maria Assunta is considered one of the most important Romanesque buildings in the Casentino. — Church of Maria Assunta in Stia is considered one of the most important Romanesque buildings in the Casentino.

Stage 3 Highlights

Castel Castagnaio (Google Maps)
San Jacopo Church in a town called Villa, with relics of St James
Santa Maria Assunta Church, Stia (Google Maps)
Museum Of Art & Textiles, Stia (Google Maps)
Palagio Fiorentino Castle, Stia Google Maps)

Difficulty

Moderate trail. The trickiest sections involve negotiating steep downhill slopes. Carry hiking poles to make this easier.

Microclimate

Hiking through the forest can be cool. Stia tends to be warmer than Consuma. Pilgrims should be aware of the weather conditions, as the downhill trail can be slippery and hazardous during or after rain.

A big map stand with a free stamp for pilgrims

Stamps

Pilgrims will spot a big map stand with a free stamp (also known as “timbro”) from the Friends of the Donkey Association (Gli Amici dell’Asino). This is also where pilgrims can find camping at La Terrazza in Foresta.

Navigation

Pilgrims will spot sometimes confusing markers and signs as the trail splits near the town of Villa. Follow your GPX to stay on the path. Also note that the official GPX is slightly different from popular guidebooks, such as Sandy Brown’s Way of St Francis.

Food

Grab your snacks at Ristorante Consumi before setting off. In Stia, Pilgrims can enjoy Handmade Pizza at Pizzeria Da Vincenzo and pastries at Pasticceria La Piazza di Claudia Balint & C. About 10 minutes walk from the village square, pilgrims can find a Coop market. Stock up on supplies, as this is the last market before La Verna.

Step-By-Step Instructions & Itinerary

San Jacopo in Villa — If pilgrims have extra time, stop by Villa and visit San Jacopo Church before continuing the walk.

Step-By-Step: Stage 3

Strong Recommendation: Use the official GPX files in addition to these instructions to not miss any turns. As signs are sparse, it can be easy to miss one.

From the highest point of the Consuma Pass, across the street from the bar Chalet Il Valico, take the CT00 path that branches off towards the Northeast from the SS70 road.
Follow the ridge for 2.3 km, maintaining an altitude of about 1000 m.
Begin to descend and reach the village of Gualdo (900 m) with a beautiful Romanesque church.
Continue descending further down to the ford on the Fosso del Pratolungo (780 m).
Continue with ups and downs that often exceed 100 m in altitude, passing through Poggio Pian della Fossa on the CT00 path.
Near Castel Castagnaio (770 m), the trail takes a sharp turn to the right onto the municipal road towards the small village of Villa.
After 100 meters, turn left onto a dirt road that leads to the Fosso della Sega (650 m).
After crossing the ford, the white road turns to the left, more or less following the stream. After about 1 km, reach Case Pippo and Sassi Bianchi.
At Sassi Bianchi, there are two options:
1. Turn left and cross the Arno River to reach Stia (450 m) on the SS road.
2. Turn right onto the municipal road marked as the Franciscan path and reach Campolombardo and then Stia on a slightly longer but more scenic and shaded dirt road.
In Stia, there are several services available, including a pharmacy, self-service laundry, and Mass times at different locations throughout the week.

Alternative Route

Villa and San Jacopo Church

About 2 hours from Consuma, pilgrims will see a side-trail that sends you down a tight trail through a collection of mountain homes called Villa. Ospitale di San Jacopo may be available for pilgrims who want to end the day early.

Right next to Ospitale di San Jacopo is San Jacopo church, where pilgrims can see a St James’ relic.

Official Route Diverges with Guide Books

The official GPX files take a slightly different track than some guidebooks. Consult your GPX and your guidebook.

Don't forget to visit the Woolen Mill of Stia at Museo dell' Arte della Lana — Don’t forget to visit the Woolen Mill of Stia at Museo dell’ Arte della Lana

About Stia

Stia is an ancient town in the Casentino Valley with a rich history, known for its wool and textile industry. Stia’s iconic wool production is world renowned for its durability and water resistance and is referred to as the “Casentino cloth.” Check out the museum website for the opening hours.

The town also hosts a biennial international blacksmithing competition every odd year. The town is a popular base for tourists exploring the Casentino national park.

Painting of St Francis on the walkway in Stia — Beautiful mural of St Francis on the village square

Services in Stia

Pharmacy (Google Maps)
Self-service laundry (Google Maps)
Coop grocery – a great size with lots of selections. Consider stocking up at this place. (Google Maps)