Faggio (beech tree) di San Francis between Poggio Bustone and Piediluco)

The enormous beech tree located on the Way between Poggio Bustone and Piediluco is one of the most important points along the route of Francis’ Way.

According to tradition, Francis was surprised by a great storm on his way to the Sanctuary of Poggio Bustone and the tree -by God’s will- extended its branches to protect him and create a kind of hut around him.

This would explain the unusual shape of the tree which, in contrast to other examples of this species, does not extend upwards but creates a mesh of branches in a particular and striking way that runs parallel to the ground.

Not far from the tree is the Church of San Francesco al Faggio. On its outer part a large wooden Tau (the 19^th letter of the Greek alphabet) is attached, evoking a symbol that was very dear to St Francis.