Bosco di San Francesco, Nature park near Upper Basilica, Assisi, Italy.
Bosco di San Francesco is a nature park near Assisi's Upper Basilica, covering approximately 64 hectares of woodland, cultivated meadows, streams, and olive groves with ancient trees. The landscape combines wooded sections and open fields threaded by walking paths that wind through the varied terrain.
The woodland became a spiritual center in the 1200s when Saint Francis and his early followers established their monastic community and spread the Franciscan movement. Over subsequent centuries, the landscape remained tied to this religious tradition until recent restoration efforts returned it to a more natural state.
The name refers to Saint Francis of Assisi, who saw the natural world as a reflection of divine creation and taught his followers to respect all living beings. This spiritual vision continues to shape how the forest is experienced today, with paths connecting visitors to the same landscapes that inspired the Franciscan way of life.
The park can be reached from the Upper Basilica square or through the former Santa Croce monastery, with about 3 kilometers of walking trails available. Wear sturdy footwear as paths can be uneven, especially after rain or in certain seasons.
The park contains a land art installation called 'The Third Paradise' by artist Michelangelo Pistoletto, which explores the relationship between nature and human creation. The work blends natural and artificial elements to express a message about harmony, integrated quietly into the forest setting.
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