The Woodland of Saint Francis is an area of the Umbrian forest managed by FAI, the Fondo Ambiente Italiano or National Trust for Italy, steeped in peace, history and spirituality.
Just imagine, until 2008, this was an abandoned place, turned into an illegal dump. When the Trust received it as a gift, it had to clear it of over 30 tonnes of rubbish, restore the historical buildings and plant new trees, but it was definitely worth it!
Once you enter, next to the Basilica of St Francis you will find a trail of about one and a half kilometres leading to a clearing where there are ancient buildings dating to the 14th century.
They were part of the Santa Croce Complex of the Benedictine nuns, and they include the remains of the convent and a small hospital, a mill that houses a refreshment stand and a small Romanesque church. From here you will find directions to a tower. When you arrive, go up to the first floor and enjoy the view from above of a very important artistic work: Michelangelo Pistoletto's Third Paradise. I suggest you pause and start listening again when you have reached this point.
The work was created by planting 121 olive trees in two rows, forming a symbol similar to that of infinity, but with three circles: a larger one in the center and two smaller ones at the sides, opposite each other.
The two small circles represent the natural and man-made worlds respectively. These two elements merge in the central circle, symbolizing a new ideal world where man and nature come together in perfect balance.
You should know that the great artist Michelangelo Pistoletto pursues this theme, supported by collaborations in multiple sectors, with an elaborate project that began in 2004 and ranges from art to architecture and fashion to politics, promoting sustainability and recycling in every sphere.
After admiring this work of art, continue on your way until you reach the clearing where it was created and, accompanied by the sound of the waters of the Tescio River, continue your walk in this oasis of peace.
Here’s an interesting fact: In 2012, the Third Paradise Project inspired the establishment of the world's Rebirth Day, celebrated every 21 December, a day in which each of us should make a commitment to collaborate in a responsible transformation of society around the world.
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