Mount Subasio, measuring some 1290 metres in height, is an ancient and mystical territory. Ever since the early Christian era, its caves had hosted numerous ascetics and hermits and its forests were travelled far and wide by monks who settled there over time, including, of course, St. Francis. On the western side of the mountain, leaning against high ground, stands the acropolis of the city of Assisi, which is also included within the confines of the park. But human influence and deep interconnection with human history should not mislead. The park is a beautiful, natural oasis with elevated biodiversity and its geological conformation gives rise to characteristic karstic phenomena such as the Mortari, a natural depression or sinkhole. The park is criss-crossed with clearly-visible and well-maintained paths that enable you to pursue your explorations in complete safety. Many of these paths simply follow the routes used by the first inhabitants to move along the ridges and slopes. So, don’t be surprised if, here and there, you suddenly see archaeological remains or small abbeys and monasteries emerge from the vegetation. Higher up, from the green meadows that emerge from the forest and cover the rounded top of the mountain, the view of the valley below is breath-taking.