Saint Francis Walk: Poggio Bustone

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Poggio Bustone

Poggio Bustone: A Spectacular View Overlooking the Sacred Valley

Situated at an altitude of 756 m above sea level, Poggio Bustone dominates the Sacred Valley offering a view and panorama of breathtaking beauty. In the 12th century, it was owned by the Farfa Abbey. It was later conquered by the Normans and at the end of the 12th century it became part of the territory governed by the city of Rieti. Parts of the defensive structures that protected the town in the past centuries can still be seen today. Especially fascinating is the Porta del Buongiorno (Gate of the Good Day). Local legend narrates that Saint Francis entered this gate with his greeting of, “Good day good people”.
Poggio Bustone is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Rieti in the Italian region Latium, located about 70 km northeast of Rome and about 11 km north of Rieti. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 2,162 and an area of 22.3 km².
St Francis of Assisi went to Poggio Bustone in 1208 and reputedly greeted the villagers by saying "buon giorno buona gente" (good morning good people). A gothic arch named "buon giorno" can be found in the village commemorating this event.
In the oldest section of the Franciscan monastery of Poggio Bustone, a room can be found where St. Francis stayed. On the mountainside above the village are seven small chapels containing, by tradition, impressions of objects relating to St. Francis, such as his knee. This path culminates with the small church Sacro Speco where St. Francis received forgiveness for his sins from Archangel Gabriel.

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