Montefalco:
Saint Clare of Montefalco (Saint Clare of the Cross)
Montefalco : Saint Clare of Montefalco (Saint Clare of the Cross)
Step into the sacred heart of Montefalco, one of Italy’s most spiritually significant hill towns. This inspiring walking tour invites you to explore a unique blend of faith, history, and timeless beauty — from ancient monastic traditions to the holy places associated with Saint Clare of Montefalco, also known as Saint Clare of the Cross.
Whether you are on pilgrimage or simply seeking a deeper connection with the spiritual heritage of Umbria, this journey through Montefalco will introduce you to powerful stories of devotion, mysticism, and faith that continue to inspire pilgrims from around the world.
Tour Highlights
Visit the Sanctuary and Monastery of Saint Clare of Montefalco, built around the tomb of the saint whose life of penance, humility, and mystical devotion earned her the title Saint Clare of the Cross.
Enter the Church of Santa Chiara, where relics of Saint Clare are preserved, and learn about the extraordinary discovery of the Cross and symbols of Christ’s Passion found in her heart after her death.
Discover the deep spirituality behind Saint Clare’s visions and mystical experiences, which made Montefalco a major pilgrimage destination in Umbria.
Walk through the historic monastic complex, gaining insight into the Augustinian way of life and centuries of prayer and contemplation.
Stroll the medieval streets of Montefalco, surrounded by stone walls, ancient churches, and panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside.
Pause at scenic viewpoints overlooking vineyards and olive groves, reflecting on why Montefalco is known as the “Balcony of Umbria.”
Visit nearby historic churches and chapels connected to the town’s spiritual heritage and local devotion.
Conclude your journey with a quiet moment of prayer and reflection at the sanctuary, leaving inspired by the life, faith, and enduring legacy of Saint Clare of Montefalco.
More Information
Duration : 2 Hours
Language : 
English | 
French | 
Spanish | 
German | 
Italian | 
Portuguese | 
Polish
Tour Inclusions : Experienced licensed tour guide, Entrance to the Church and Sanctuary of Saint Clare of Montefalco, Small group experience
Tour Exclusions : Personal expenses, hotel pickup, Food and drinks, Transportation to/from Montefalco, optional donations, Entrance fees not specified
Distance : Approximately 1.5 km
Accessibility : Not wheelchair accessible
Meeting Point : Please arrive 10 minutes early in front of the main entrance of the Church of Santa Chiara (Sanctuary of Saint Clare of Montefalco), Montefalco historic center. Your guide will meet you at the main entrance. Please refer to Google Maps for exact location.
Montefalco : Saint Clare of Montefalco (Saint Clare of the Cross)
Step into the sacred heart of Montefalco, one of Umbria’s most spiritually significant hill towns, on this immersive walking tour where faith, history, and tradition come together. Your journey begins in the historic center of Montefalco, a town long associated with deep Christian devotion and monastic life.
Visit the Church and Sanctuary of Saint Clare of Montefalco, built over the monastery where Saint Clare lived, prayed, and carried out her extraordinary spiritual mission. Learn about her life of intense devotion, penance, and mystical experiences, including her profound union with Christ, which earned her the title “Saint Clare of the Cross.” Her incorrupt heart, bearing symbols of the Passion, remains one of the most moving relics of medieval Christian mysticism.
Continue your exploration through Montefalco’s medieval streets, where stone houses, ancient churches, and panoramic viewpoints reflect centuries of religious life and Franciscan influence. As you walk, discover how Montefalco became an important center of spirituality in Umbria, shaped by saints, monks, and pilgrims.
Pause at scenic viewpoints overlooking the Umbrian valley, offering sweeping vistas of vineyards, olive groves, and surrounding hill towns — a perfect moment for reflection and prayer inspired by the contemplative life Saint Clare embraced.
Along the way, hear stories of local devotion, miracles, and the lasting impact of Saint Clare’s witness on religious communities throughout Italy. Understand why Montefalco remains a meaningful destination for pilgrims seeking silence, inspiration, and spiritual renewal.
Your tour concludes near the Sanctuary of Saint Clare, allowing time for quiet prayer, reflection, and gratitude. Leave with a deeper understanding of Saint Clare of Montefalco’s holiness, the town’s sacred heritage, and the enduring power of faith that continues to shape this remarkable Umbrian hill town.
Montefalco : Saint Clare of Montefalco (Saint Clare of the Cross)
Perched on a hilltop in the heart of Umbria, the town of Montefalco is a jewel of Christian heritage, medieval beauty, and deep spiritual tradition. Often called “The Balcony of Umbria” for its sweeping views over vineyards and valleys, Montefalco draws pilgrims and travelers not only for its scenic charm but also for its profound religious significance.
Among the most important sacred sites is the Sanctuary and Church of Saint Clare of Montefalco, built over the monastery where the saint lived and carried out her extraordinary spiritual life. The church preserves her tomb and relics, including the miraculous discovery of her heart marked with symbols of Christ’s Passion — a powerful testimony to her intense mystical union with the Cross. Nearby churches, medieval streets, and monastic buildings reflect centuries of Franciscan and Augustinian influence that shaped Montefalco’s identity as a center of prayer and contemplation.
Saint Clare of Montefalco (Saint Clare of the Cross)
Saint Clare of Montefalco (1268–1308) was an Augustinian nun renowned for her deep devotion, ascetic life, and mystical experiences centered on the suffering of Christ. From a young age, she embraced a life of prayer, penance, and service, eventually becoming the abbess of her community. Known for her humility and spiritual wisdom, she guided others toward a deeper love of God through contemplation of the Cross.
After her death, an extraordinary sign confirmed her sanctity: during an examination of her body, the instruments of Christ’s Passion — including the Cross — were said to be found impressed upon her heart. This remarkable event led to her being venerated as “Saint Clare of the Cross.” Canonized in 1881, she remains one of Umbria’s most beloved saints and a powerful example of interior faith and sacrifice.
Montefalco and the Pilgrim Tradition
For centuries, Montefalco has been a place of pilgrimage for those seeking spiritual renewal, silence, and reflection. Pilgrims traveled to venerate Saint Clare’s relics, pray at her tomb, and walk the same streets she once did. Though not directly on the Via Francigena, Montefalco lies within a wider network of medieval pilgrimage routes connecting Umbria’s sacred towns, monasteries, and shrines.
Today, modern pilgrims continue to visit Montefalco to encounter its living faith — through its churches, monastic heritage, and peaceful hilltop setting. Whether arriving for prayer, devotion to Saint Clare, or a deeper encounter with Christian history, Montefalco offers a timeless journey where faith, sacrifice, and spiritual beauty remain deeply intertwined.
- Dress Code: Dress with an appropriate dress code for religious sites
- Walking & Terrain: The tour involves walking approximately 1.2–1.5 km over cobblestone streets, some gentle slopes, and uneven surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
- Weather & Clothing: Bolsena’s weather can vary—dress in layers and bring a hat, sunscreen, and water, especially in warmer months.
- Respectful Conduct: Many stops include sacred sites like the Basilica, catacombs, and chapels. Please maintain respectful silence and follow the guide’s instructions.
- Photography: Photos are welcome except where restricted inside sacred areas. Please respect local customs and signage.
- Accessibility: If you have mobility concerns, please inform us before booking so we can assist or recommend alternatives.
- Language: The tour is conducted in the selected at the reservation stage. Private or multilingual guide options are available upon request.
- Health & Safety: Please follow any current health protocols. Inform your guide of allergies or medical needs.
- Local Etiquette: Bolsena is a living community with religious traditions—please be courteous to locals and worshippers.
- Kids: Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
- Minimum Participants: The tour requires a minimum number of participants to operate. If this requirement is not met, the tour may be rescheduled, cancelled, or rearranged as a private tour, with any additional costs to be agreed upon.
- Weather Conditions: Our tours operate in all weather conditions; however, in the event of adverse or unsafe weather, the tour may be cancelled, rescheduled, or modified for safety reasons. In such cases, suitable alternative arrangements or remedies will be considered depending on the circumstances.
Personal Items: Carry light; a small bag or backpack for water, camera, and essentials is recommended.
- Full Refund: The tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund
- Time Zone: Local time is applied in the event of cancellation.
- Changes: Any changes to be made before 24 hours to the departure
- No Refund: Any changes or cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour start time will not be eligible for a refund.
- Group Size: The tour requires a minimum number of participants to operate. If this requirement is not met, the tour may be rescheduled, cancelled, or rearranged as a private tour, with any additional costs to be agreed upon. A full refund will be provided if the tour is cancelled due to the minimum number of participants.
- Tour Guide Availability & Language Limitations: We specialize in tours to uncommon and unique religious destinations that are often unavailable on standard tours. Due to limited local guide availability, the requested language may not always be available. In such cases, we will offer alternative options before rescheduling or cancelling the tour. If no alternatives are feasible, the tour may be rescheduled or cancelled, with a full refund provided.
- Pricing Considerations: We strive to offer competitive pricing, but in some cases, limited supplier availability may affect costs.
- Our Mission: As a Catholic tour operator, our primary goal is to provide a meaningful spiritual experience. We focus on destinations that are rarely included in standard tours, ensuring your journey is both unique and spiritually enriching.
Plan Your Visit to Montefalco
Discover the easiest ways to reach, stay, and enjoy Montefalco — a hilltop gem in Umbria, rich in faith, history, and Italian charm.
Travel times are approximate and may vary with schedules and traffic.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links in this section are affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you use them to make a purchase or booking—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services and products we genuinely trust. For more details, please see our Affiliate Policy and the UK Advertising Standards Authority guidance on affiliate marketing.
Airport Meet & Assist Services
For a smooth travel experience, take advantage of Meet & Assist services available for both arrivals and departures at major airports, including Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Rome Ciampino (CIA), and Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi (PEG).
A dedicated assistant will greet you, assist with luggage, check-in, and security, ensuring a stress-free start or end to your journey.
Please note: this service is provided only within the airport. Airport Meet & Assist is especially useful for first-time visitors to Italy, or anyone seeking a smooth start or end to their journey.
By Air
Rome Fiumicino (FCO) – ~150 km | Rome Ciampino (CIA) – ~160 km | Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi (PEG) – ~40 km
Approx. 1–2 hours by car or taxi.
From any airport, rent a car or take a train to Foligno, then continue by local transport to Montefalco.
Find the Best Flights – Book your flights with Expedia
By Train
Nearest Station: Foligno (connecting to Rome, Florence, and Perugia)
From Rome Termini: ~2–2.5 hours (with transfer at Foligno) | From Florence SMN: ~3 hours (with transfer at Foligno)
Find the Best Trains – Book your Trains with Omio
By Car
Drive along the scenic SS75 / SS3 Flaminia, connecting Rome, Perugia, and Spoleto.
From Rome: ~150 km (~2 hours) | From Perugia: ~40 km (~45 minutes)
Free and paid parking is available near the Sanctuary of Saint Clare and the historic town center.
Find the Best Rent a Car – Rent your car with Centauto
By Bus
Regional buses connect Montefalco with Foligno, Spoleto, and nearby Umbrian towns.
Timetables vary — check before travelling.
Find the Best Buses – Book your Buses with Omio
By Taxi / Private Transfer
Enjoy a direct, comfortable trip from airports or nearby cities. Perfect for small groups or travelers with luggage.
Private Transfers – Book your private transfer with Welcome Pickups
On Foot / Locally
Montefalco is a small, walkable hilltop town.
All main attractions — the Sanctuary of Saint Clare, historic streets, and local museums — are easily reached on foot.
Where to Stay in Montefalco
Find the perfect stay within walking distance of the Sanctuary, town center, or surrounding vineyards.
Choose from boutique hotels, guesthouses, or family-run B&Bs.
Hotels & B&Bs| 
Unique Local Stays
Find the Best Hotels – Book your Hotels with Expedia or Agoda
Experiences & Activities
Make your visit unforgettable — explore nearby spiritual and cultural treasures, or extend your journey through Umbria’s hill towns, Assisi, and Spoleto.
Book Tours & Activities
Find the Best Tours & Activities
Find tours & day trips on GetYourGuide
Explore cultural & religious tours on Viator
Travel Essentials
Be prepared and comfortable for your walk through Montefalco’s historic streets and sacred sites.
Find the Best Travel Essentials
Find your travel accessories on Amazon
Find your Travel Insurance
Religious & Devotional Items
If you cannot visit Montefalco in person, you can still bring a piece of its faith and history into your home.
Explore authentic Catholic devotional items inspired by Saint Clare of Montefalco and Umbrian sacred traditions.
Find the Best Religious & Devotional Items
Find your Religious & Devotional Items on Amazon
Note:
All times, prices, and details are approximate and may vary depending on schedules, seasons, or provider updates. Always check current travel information before booking.
Travel Tip
Combine train + local taxi or rental car for the smoothest arrival from Rome or Perugia — the perfect blend of comfort and flexibility.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links in this section are affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you use them to make a purchase or booking—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services and products we genuinely trust. For more details, please see our Affiliate Policy and the UK Advertising Standards Authority guidance on affiliate marketing.
Discover the places that matter most to you, even if you’re staying only a short time.
We create fully personalised pilgrimage routes and custom tours designed around your faith, interests and schedule. Whether you want to visit a sacred shrine, a historic basilica, a monastery on a hilltop, or a lesser-known religious site that few travellers reach, we’ll make it possible.
To help you save time, we can arrange private pickup from the airports, ports, Rail Stations or directly from your accommodation. Our team ensures you have direct, stress-free access to the religious destinations you may not have another chance to visit again.
Every itinerary is crafted with care: Private transfers to and from holy sites, Flexible schedules for prayer, reflection, and guided visits, Local experts to share history, spirituality, and traditions, Tailor-made tours for individuals, couples, families, or parish groups
If there’s a special tour or pilgrimage tied to a destination close to your heart, let us know — we’ll create a meaningful journey crafted just for you. Contact us to get a quotation for your personalised tour request.
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- List also other tours near the tour location ( Orvieto, Rome…etc )
Work With Us as a Tour Guide in Montefalco
We’re looking for licensed tour guides to collaborate with us in sharing the faith, history, and beauty of Montefalco. If you guide visitors through the Sanctuary of Saint Clare, explore the town’s medieval streets, or share stories of Umbrian art, culture, and devotion, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact us to join our team and help pilgrims and travelers experience the spiritual and historical treasures of Montefalco.
Partner with Us
We’re always looking to collaborate with travel agencies, pilgrimage organizers, and Catholic organizations to bring faith-based tours to more pilgrims. Partner with us to offer authentic Catholic pilgrimage experiences, expand your offerings, and deliver unforgettable journeys to sacred sites.