La Verna (Sanctuary)

La Verna is a prominent Franciscan sanctuary located in Tuscany, Italy, known for its natural beauty and spiritual significance. It is famous as the site where St. Francis of Assisi received the Stigmata—marks resembling the wounds of Christ—around 1224. This event solidified Francis's deep connection to the suffering of Jesus. The sanctuary features a church, monastic buildings, and scenic trails, attracting pilgrims and visitors seeking reflection and peace. La Verna embodies the Franciscan ideals of humility, nature, and spirituality, making it a significant site for both religious devotion and ecological appreciation.