On foot and by bicycle
in Saint Anthony’s footsteps
Two regions, Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto, connected by a path of faith that has guided pilgrims in Saint Anthony’s footsteps for over 800 years. With a new section spanning more than 250 kilometers, this ancient devotional route extends from Gemona del Friuli to Padua, crossing rural landscapes, historic villages, and artistic cities. Along the way, pilgrims can relive the Saint’s story, immersing themselves in a journey rich in spirituality and tradition, bridging past and present.
Anthony: a pilgrim’s story.
Before becoming a Saint, Anthony was a pilgrim. His journey took him across Italy and Europe, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire those who walk this path today. Following the Way of Saint Anthony means retracing his steps, rediscovering the inner dimension of pilgrimage, and experiencing faith, reflection, and discovery.
Gemona del Friuli holds a special place in this journey: it was the first city in the world to dedicate a sanctuary to Saint Anthony of Padua, a testament to an ancient and profound devotion. Here begins an itinerary that is more than just a physical journey—it is a path of the soul, at the heart of Anthony’s history and spirituality.
Slow Tourism, Devotion, and Scenic Beauty
The devotional routes that cross our beautiful Peninsula are expressions of “slow tourism“, a form of travel that is being rediscovered by both religious and secular communities. It embraces slowness, experiences nature sustainably, rediscovers local traditions, and fills the eyes with the beauty of landscapes, art, and history.
The Comitato Cammini promotes slow mobility and walking routes throughout Italy, enhancing a way of traveling that is sustainable and rich in meaning. For Gemona del Friuli, being part of the network of green routes is an important recognition—where walking becomes an expression of eco-sustainable, customizable, and emotionally engaging tourism.
The route was officially recognized in the Catalogue of Italian Religious Paths by the Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR) in December 2024, under the section Slow tourism, devotion, and scenic beauty
Do not miss
The Sanctuary of Saint Anthony in Gemona
Recognized as the oldest place of worship in the world dedicated to the Saint of Miracles, this sanctuary has a unique historical significance.
The Antonian Sanctuaries of Camposampiero
In the final stretch of the Way of Saint Anthony, Camposampiero welcomes pilgrims to two sacred sites filled with spirituality and history. Here, in the spring of 1231, Saint Anthony spent his final days in prayer and contemplation before his journey to Padua.
The Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua
One of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Christian world and the spiritual heart of the city of Padua, this Basilica welcomes millions of travelers every year.
