"Discovering the Tranquil Sanctuary of La Verna: A Christmas Reflection"

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Hello dear friends,

First of all, today I want to wish you a Merry Christmas, and I hope you are spending it with the people you love, surrounded by serenity in your families. Since today is a very important day, especially from a religious perspective, I want to share with you a place I visited some time ago, thanks to a guided tour organized by a dear friend of mine. This place is significant not only for those who profess the religion but also because it holds historical and artistic importance.

I'm talking about the Sanctuary of La Verna. Probably many of you don't know what I'm talking about, but in reality, this place has become an important pilgrimage center still managed by the Franciscan friars. Here, you can participate in moments of prayer, reflection, and admire this significant place in the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, one of the most revered and known saints in the world, and probably one of the most loved.

As the guide explained to me, this sacred place was built on Mount Penna, an isolated mountain in the heart of the Tuscan Apennines, in the province of Arezzo, at about 1200 meters. Its construction began in 1260, and it was completed only in 1700 because, like many sanctuaries, it was modified over the years as it became increasingly important for believers. For me, it was a delightful discovery because, although I had heard about it, it is located in a beautiful spot in the Apennines, very isolated, with numerous woods where you can take beautiful walks in nature.

But you may be wondering why this sanctuary became famous. It is said that St. Francis received the famous stigmata here. In fact, as you can see from the photos, his ancient habit, the garment he used, is also preserved here. Probably, you know how St. Francis was a lover of nature and animals, and he used to take beautiful walks in these woods.

This place, now a monument, is surrounded by beech and fir forests, making it an ideal place for those seeking silence and, above all, for people looking for direct contact with nature.

In conclusion, I must say that I liked this sanctuary a lot, especially because it is immersed in nature. Surely, if I have the opportunity, I will return in the summer because here you can escape the scorching heat of the plains. Above all, I believe it's nice to find these places where you can relax and simply sit in the middle of the woods to contemplate nature. I think we all need these moments from time to time, and it's beautiful that there are such places beyond religious beliefs.

Thank you for following this post. I hope you found it interesting. Renewing my wishes to all of you and your families for a Merry Christmas. See you soon.