slow tourism via francigena

Via Francigena: slow tourism in the footsteps of pilgrims

Once an ancient pilgrimage route to Rome and the Holy Land in the name of inner awareness, today the Via Francigena is also an excellent idea for slow, green tourism to become one with yourself again: 5 exemplifying places to find the right spirit and excellent well-being.

In more detail

The Via Francigena is an itinerary unwinding for 1800 km from Canterbury to Rome , taken in the year 990 by Abbot Sigeric to receive his holy investiture as Bishop of the English city. It was then followed by European pilgrims to reach Rome - the heart of Christianity - before continuing further south to embark for the Holy Land . It crosses the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland and Italy. In 1994, the Council of Europe declared it a Cultural Route .

The journey

The Italian section extends from the Gran San Bernardo Pass , in the Aosta Valley , to Rome, for a total distance of about 945 km across nine regions . It can be travelled on foot at an average of 20 km/day taking about one and a half months, or on hybrid or mtb bicycles, pedalling for about 60 km/day to complete the journey in a couple of weeks. In both cases, the itinerary is suitable for everyone .

Aosta Valley

Places along the way.

The route is very well signposted and winds its way between cities and nature along mountain paths, mule tracks, country lanes, tree-lined roads and ancient paving. From the pastures in the Aosta Valley to the Po plains , the banks of the River Po and the Apennine forests , from Tuscan countryside to the lakes of Latium , passing by fields growing rice and wheat, as well as vineyards, walking in the embrace of nature accompanied by silence and peace .

Emilia-Romagna

Hospitality and credentials

There are reception facilities , restaurants and services for everyone travel along the route. They are accessed with the Credentials - a specific document issued by the European Association of the Vie Francigene that is stamped progressively at each stage and also offers discounts to travellers. After covering the last 100 km on foot or 200 by bicycle, you also receive the Testimonium - the Pilgrimage Certificate

This is an unmissable opportunity for people who love slow tourism in close contact with nature and local areas , not to mention history and traditions that are still deeply alive in places along the way. Walking at your own pace surrounded by silence and refreshed by genuine local produce helps today's pilgrims along path towards inner knowledge and self-awareness, rediscovering their own heartbeats and vital energy.

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Via Francigena: Slow Travel & Hiking in Tuscany

Be it a spiritual journey or a pleasure trip to be enjoyed at a slow pace, the trails and paths of the via Francigena offer a truly unique and gratifying way to visit Tuscany, its landscape, its culture and its people while giving space to satisfying your personal goals. There are over 300 km of trails winding from the northern point of Pontremoli, towards the picturesque town of Lucca . Once only traveled by foot or horse, the options now include biking and even by car, since there a few areas where road travel has been mapped out.

This historic journey follows the hills and valleys, picturesque hamlets and mostly churches, through some of the most famous scenery of Tuscany , passing by towns with a long and rich history such as San Miniato , San Gimignano, Monteriggioni , Siena and Radicofani. However, for those looking to enjoy some of the points of interest off the beaten track, there are many to be found including little towns like Gambassi Terme, with its thermal waters. In the true sense of these roads, which were never just one but several leading in the same direction, therefore following one of the many side roads you can take time to visit places like Poggibonsi with its Imperial Fortress or Bagno Vignoni and its roman pools.

The leisurely pace , which is all up to you, allows for the opportunity to appreciate a timeless vista - the very same one that the medieval pilgrims gazed upon over a thousand years ago. Stop and visit the same abbey and spedales that welcomed the weary traveller and explore the same castles and roccas that offered them protection and comfort on this long endeavour.

As the Discover Tuscany team follows in their footsteps, we will add our experiences, suggestions and photos in the space below. We are always available for questions and inquiries at our FORUM about where to go, how to get there and where to stay.

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• Via Francigena – strengthening walking tourism along the cultural routes

The Via Francigena is one of the most popular pilgrimage routes in the world, spanning centuries of history and stretching along 3200 kilometres in the UK, France, Switzerland and Italy. In 1994, the route was awarded 'Cultural Route of the Council of Europe' status in recognition of its role in promoting common European values. The European Association of the Via Francigena ways (EAVF) acts as a promoter and policy-maker of the route and organises its activities in line with 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Today, especially in the post-pandemic context, where walking tourism is as ever an important tool of sustainable tourism development, it produces positive impact in the following dimensions:

Environmental impact. Pilgrimage tourism refers to walking and cycling activity, which means consuming no fuel and leaving a smaller carbon footprint compared to other types of travel. As part of its promotional activities the EAVF pays special attention to valorisation of responsible tourism, safeguarding biodiversity and local environment.

Economic impact. The Via Francigena route connects major urban centres with rural areas. The economic benefits generated by increasing flows of pilgrims are spread throughout the entire itinerary, creating income opportunities and improving the quality of life of local communities along the route. The EAVF and partners coordinate to maximise the economic impact and shift attention away from overcrowded tourist destinations to lesser known but culturally rich regions.

Socio-cultural impact. As part of the Council of Europe's framework of Cultural Routes, the Via Francigena promotes intercultural understanding and tolerance, strengthens social cohesion and dialogue by transmitting the values of human rights, cultural diversity and mutual exchange across borders. It brings together walking enthusiasts from all over the world, encourages them to discover new cultures, connect with local people, share experiences and stories.

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Our Via Francigena Guide | updated 2020

As you’re reading this, you’re probably already interested in walking the Via Francigena, the 2,000km pilgrimage trail from Canterbury, UK, to Rome, Italy. And apparently you’re looking for a Via Francigena guide to help you – well, you’ve come to the right people.

We spent a big, four month chunk of 2017 walking the entire Via Francigena, starting at Canterbury Cathedral in May and finishing in the square of St Peter’s Basilica in September. It was a beautiful, hard, long and inspiring journey, one that we know lots of people are interested in and have questions about.

We wrote about each stage as we did it: you can find and read all 15 of our Via Francigena stages here.

So we have put together our own Via Francigena guide, up-to-date for 2017, and updated every year since then (most recently, 2020). We’ve thrown in everything we learned about planning and going on a walk like this. Have a read through for everything (hopefully) you want to know.

We started doing longer day walks from January (to leave in May remember), carrying a bit more weight each time.

We also walked the Coleridge Way over three days , using all our camping equipment (a good idea if you’ve never used any of it before).

Did we need to do this? Hmm, not sure. We walked in our new boots which was good. And it gave us a bit of confidence – also good. But our friends who we met walking hadn’t done any training, and were fine.

You need to be moderately fit – no more . And the first few weeks are flat so in some ways, that could be your easing-in period.

People always want to know what and how we packed. Funnily enough for Via Francigena guide authors, we are actually pretty bad at packing – or we were, at least. We carried too much and packed it all squiff.

But from our ridiculous mistakes, we learned what works.

We carried 40l and 75l Osprey and Berghaus packs (you can guess whose was whose). Normal people wouldn’t carry as much as this, but we had blogging and camping gear with us which took up lots of space.

50l per person would in fact be fine.

THE PILGRIM CREDENTIAL/PASSPORT

A type of blank passport to fill up with stamps from along the way, we got ours by post from the Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome . You automatically become a member and it now comes with a badge to sew on your pack too (picturing the symbol of Rome, the cross keys).

You’ll need a pilgrim passport to get into pilgrim accommodation, as well as your certificate from Rome at the end. Plus they are completely unique mementos.

We got stamps everyday on the Via Francigena, from all kinds of places: pilgrim accommodation, campsites, the odd Mairie (French town halls), shops, churches. Just go in and ask.

If you’re going all the way from Canterbury to Rome and aiming to get stamps every day, in 2017 there wasn’t enough room in the book. We jumbled ours chaotically together in what we hoped was arty. Alternatively you can staple more pages in yourself.

Other things we found useful to bring that you might not have thought about:

REALLY-NEEDED:

• (Again) pilgrim credential
• Water bladders (5l all together) – heavy but SO useful
• Sleeping liner (for hostels)
• Compeed (get the proper brand)
• Mini scissors
• Sealed waterproof bags
• Spare bootlaces
• Bag covers (ugly, but hey ho)
• One pan, one plate, one set of cutlery (no more)

REALLY-NOT-NEEDED:

• Washing machine tabs (why, WHY?)
• More than one of anything
• A broken watch

Boots & clothing

Ok, we’re really pleased/smug about that fact that our Scarpa Terra GTX boots lasted the whole 2,000km, and then some. That’s right: one pair, the whole way.

These boots were comfortable from the get-go, gave neither of us any rubbing blisters, and the only thing that wore out was the ACTUAL GRIP on the soles. Yep, we walked them to death. Good in rain, good in the heat, and really comfortable. Miss wearing them just typing this.

Not an ad, just love.

We found a mix of normal clothes and active-wear worked quite well, and NO walking clothes were needed. We think we brought about 4 changes of clothes which is too many really, but made us feel more civilised.

Time of year to go

As we said, we started in May, finished in September. This worked well: we hit the Alps in July which is the perfect time.

You’ll need to time going over the Alps either in June (ok), July or August (best).

A lot of people appear worried about Italy in the heat of summer. We walked through August and the key is to get up early and be walking by between 5 and 6am. The countryside is sublime and it’s blissfully cool.

The route, as of 2017

Any Via Francigena guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the route. The Via Francigena takes an ancient route through the UK, France, Switzerland and Italy. It’s not your typical tourist trail: it goes through Reims in France but misses Milan for instance. It means you never know quiiiite where you’ll end up.

You can expect though lots of countryside walking, passing through villages, towns or a city every day. This means you can usually have breaks on the way, pick up food, stuff like that.

UPDATE FOR 2020: Make sure you check the status of sections of the route in relation to the spread of Coronavirus.

How hard is the via francigena.

The route itself is mostly on defined walking paths, roads, and (contrary to what we’d read) is indeed signposted, in one weird way or another.

Read our lips: the walk is not that hard. It’s long, but it’s not hard. France is flat, the Alps & Italy are hilly. (But doesn’t feel much more than that. Read our walking over the Alps post to see the slightly amended route we did to avoid the sketchiest part of the VF.)

HOW WE WALKED THE VIA FRANCIGENA

We took four months to walk the Via Francigena, but you can breeze it in three so make no mistake, we walked it slow. We took a day off roughly every 10 days, walking France quite quickly and Italy much slower.

Our shortest day: less than 10km

Our longest day: 30km

Many other people walk upwards of 40km a day . But our way allowed us to walk slowly, take photos, blog and see some of the sights along the route (like Reims or Siena ).

But all this comes with an interesting hitch: it turns out the ‘Via Francigena’ is not strictly just one route.

In fact, different guidebooks/tourism boards/maps send you down different paths entirely, all of which join back up periodically, particularly in France. Tricky.

To pick one, it really does depend on what you want to get out of walking. If it’s head-down-get-there-ASAP, you can take the road pretty often. If you’re more adventurous, then off-roading it will be preferable and probably prettier, but maybe tougher. This brings us on to…

Maps & guidebooks

Hmph. It was a cause of much debate, but this is what we’ve concluded for the purposes of this Via Francigena guide:

The Lightfoot guide is a good option for the UK, France and Switzerland, being both accurate and choosing an interesting route. It maybe didn’t give much pizzazz-y history to occupy our minds though.

Update for 2020: there was supposed to be a new Via Francigena guide book to be published in June 2019 on the Via Francigena north of the Alps (ie before Italy). We can’t find much about it, but if anyone has used it, let us know in the comments.

But once we were in Italy, the Terre di Mezzo guide (the link is to the Italian language guidebook we used) gave us everything we needed. Good maps, great accommodation tips, and some effusive Italian descriptions which were just all-out wonderful.

Update for 2020: As of 2018 the 2nd edition of the English translation is out. Hurrah! Buy the English language Terre di Mezzo guidebook

Nowadays a lot of the guidebook publishers provide GPX as part of your purchase (like Cicerone, for example).

We’re thinking of doing our own however to be sent out to people who subscribe (for free) – so let us know if that would interest you!

Accommodation

We did a little blog post all about the places you can stay on the Via Francigena here .

Oh God, we ate everything. We could cook basic things when we camped, and bakeries became our haunt of choice for food on the go. Luckily in France, Switzerland and Italy you can’t go a kilometre without hitting one so we got by (it’s tough life, we know).

Dried fruit, nut and fresh bread were all easy to come by and to eat en-route. Throughout Italy, pasta and pizza were incredibly cheap in cafes too, and are pretty perfect walking fuel. Make room for the oiliest most delicious focaccia in the world…

We have a bit of working Italian (hence the Italian guidebook recommendation) but very little French, and as we thought, there’s not much English is spoken in rural parts. But don’t let a lack of language proficiency put you off – you will definitely be able to muddle through without any. Picking up a few phrases will definitely help you though (Pelerin/pelligrino being key!)

Staying fit and healthy wasn’t all that hard. We had rest days pretty much every two weeks, and took 5l of water with us every day, also stopping regularly for top up drinks in cafes.

We did get bitten to bits by mosquitoes , one of which got infected for Luke. A quick visit to the Ambulatorio Medico in Tuscany solved that, and we carried on our merry way without too much trouble.

Oh also: Nell got terrible impact blisters on the balls of her feet. Who knew? These just disappeared after about a month, never to return. We didn’t burst any blisters: just clean and Compeed, clean and Compeed, and that seemed to do the trick for us. Super Feet.

By and large, the Via Francigena takes a safe path through all four countries. Seriously, don’t worry too much about this.

The trickiest walking part was getting over the Alps. And if you read about our Alps experience you’ll know we were a bit worried about hiking up over them. But actually we found it a not-that-bad uphill, with some breath-taking moments and sights.

We’d also been warned about dogs , but did not have a single incident with them. There were lots about, mostly behind gates, or entirely uninterested. Stick to that path is what we’d advise.

By far, for us the most dangerous bit was actually the roads . Although mostly quiet, every now and then we’d find ourselves walking down a BUSY road, lorries alarmingly close. How often this happens depends on the route you take, and is worth considering when you think road walking is the ‘easier’ option.

Walking with dogs

Isn’t generally advised. It’s too long for most dogs, plus you do come across other dogs from time to time.

Travelling for four months can be expensive. But we can guarantee that walking for four months will cost you considerably less. With the Via Francigena too, if you get yourself a pilgrim passport you are granted pilgrim status, so have various places along the route that cost less to stay in.

Our official Via Francigena Guide opinion: you could just about get away with budgeting about a minimum of €20 (that’s Euros) per day per person . The more hotels and meals out you want though…

Getting to Rome

When we arrived in Rome, we went into the Vatican to collect our pilgrimage certificates.

Entering via the Rectory, we were security checked by the Swiss Guards (make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the Vatican , ie, no shoulders or shorts).

Then what followed was a surreal journey through several sanctums of the bureaucratic part of the Vatican. Eventually we got to a smart polished desk where some unidentified person inspected our dog-eared credentials, stamped them for the final time, and wrote out certificates for us.

These days, most pilgrims arriving into Rome tend to get their certificates from the Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi . Definitely a simpler process, if maybe less exciting.

Remember you have to have walked 100km on the route into Rome (proven by stamps in your pilgrim credential) to get a certificate.

Our Via Francigena Guide: conclusion

We loved walking to Rome, and found walking there from Canterbury not just possible, but completely do-able .

Of course guys, it’s a LONG way. So there are hours and hours of wandering down little roads, or through scrubby fields with nobody else in sight.

But the hardest part (yes, really) was always the mental bit: trying to get your head around the idea that you’ll ever get to Rome just by putting one foot in front of the other.

But look at that. We just did.

Get through that, and it’s honestly enjoyable . From doing this we’ve seen so much more of this undiscovered Europe, a Europe of small places, big landscapes, local secrets.

And the achievement of getting somewhere entirely on foot is like nothing else. You become stronger, think clearer, and impress yourself. We came out of it completely convinced that walking travel is this incredible way to explore – both the world and yourself.

We hope that this Via Francigena guide has helped and inspired you to look into the VF (or any long distance trails) a bit more.

Did we miss anything ask us any more questions you have below and we’ll answer them, you may also like, 89 comments.

Thank you for very helpful concise info. I have this trek in my sites. I appreciate your willingness to share.

Pleasure to share Cindy. We do hope it helps. Thank you for getting in touch! If you have any other questions re Via Francigena just let us know.

Thanks so much for this informative guide! Did you use GPS for your walk? I hope to bike the VF in the summer 2018, but use as much of the walking route as possible to avoid highways 🙂

Hi Wendy, thanks for getting in touch. No we didn’t use GPS, purely because we already had a lot of stuff to charge at the end of every day! However, a lot of other people said they were using the SloWays app in Italy and were impressed by it. We reckon the best bet for you is to go down the Lightfoot Guide (and GPS) route, because there are bike alternatives when the official path becomes too difficult for bikes. You’ll go on the walking route a lot of the time this way. Any other questions, just let us know. Luke & Nell

Hi, I’m wondering if you did put out a guide? I would be very interested. I walked the Camino Frances solo in 2018 and am looking at this one next. Would love a guide book to take with me.

Hi Deb, we never did write a guide book. We ended up writing one for the Cathar Way though in southern France which is now published. I would quite like to write a guide book of sorts for the VF though. Have you walked the VF yet? Only asking because my reply is so delayed, you may’ve already strolled out and got to Rome..? Best wishes, Luke

Working how to incorporate Via Francigena into my impending retirement. Your guide has bolstered my resolve, Thanks will keep dipping into your site bfor advice and inspiration. John

Thanks John, sorry for the exactly 2 year delay to your message. We went offline for a while! Still walking I’m pleased to say, and I hope you are out on the trails too. Have you walked the VF? Luke

Did you have to camp much?

We camped around 60% of the time in France, about 50% of the time in Switzerland and approx. 10% of the time in Italy. Hope this helps. L

Thanks for this blog. My husband and, I 65 and 68, are seasoned walkers – we have walked the Portuguese and Francis in 2015, 2016, and are planning Canterbury to Switzerland this August. We wonder if language was a problem? We are sorry to say we do not speak French or Italian. We also will not be camping and assume that there are places to stay all along the route. Thanks for any info that you can pass on. 😀

Hi Colleen, Nothing to worry about, we don’t speak much French and only a little Italian, and we didn’t have any issues the whole way. There are certainly places along the route. In France you will have to plan carefully because there are fewer places than in Switzerland and Italy (the latter having the most pilgrim friendly stays). We wish you well in your walk this summer. If you have any questions please do get in touch. Happy to help! Luke

Thank you both for the time and effort to share the information (:

My wife and I will be doing the entire VF starting mid-March and are very excited! This is our first backpacking trip, and expect to learn a lot along the way. One question, the budget of $200/week- is this for one person? We were hoping to budget, on average, less than $50/day for the both of us. Hope this is realistic (understanding that costs vary from country to country.).

Thanks a million!

Hi Issac, thanks for getting in touch! We’re glad to hear you’re doing the VF this year. You’ll have a fantastic experience.

You’ll be fine on $50 per day for the both of you if you don’t splurge on meals out and alcohol. We kept to 50 euros per day for four months between the two of us.

Camping helped keep us to this budget. Through France we camped a lot and our average daily spend was closer to 40 euros per day, which helped with Italy where there’s less camping available.

Thanks again! L&N

Hello! Thank you so much for taking the time to write this up! A few questions as I will be heading out to do the whole VF in just 9 weeks!

What time of year did you hike and how did you find the weather? I’m concerned I’ll be in the wind and rain in France during May and beaten to bits by the blazing sun in July in Italy!

Also, how much camping gear did you need? I’m going solo and wasn’t planning on camping (though I’m an experienced camper) until I realized just how spendy the accommodations were in France. I am thinking I will bring just a solo tent, plate and utensils and opt out of cooking.

And last but not least, were majority of the places you stayed when not camping donativos/hostels?

Thank you so much for your time and great tips!

Hi Cori, sorry for the little delay in replying, we’re out on the trail currently walking in south west Portugal. Look out for some blog and Instagram posts soon!

Great news that you’re going on the VF. It’s a great experience! Good luck!

We started in mid-May and ended in mid-September. Most walk it in three months, but we wanted to take four to have time to soak it all in. We believe this was the right choice.

We had very hot weather throughout the trip, including up at the pass, and in mid-September in Italy. May was good in France last year = heat waves!

The rain is easier to deal with than the heat -unless the rain is torrential, in which case haul up in a cafe (you’ll always be able to find one!) and wait it out!- and one tip we have for you is get up early (like really early) to walk in the coolest part of the day. You’ll find a lot of other pilgrims do this. It’s a lifesaver and actually a wonderful part of the trip.

We camped about 50% of our time in France and Switzerland. And hardly at all in Italy (not many convenient campsites south from Aosta). We took a tent, thermarests, sleeping bags, little stove and two plates. Got us through!

We stayed in Airbnb when in cities, because we had a kitchen to use then. We stayed in a lot of “ostelli” which are pilgrim hostels in Italy. They are convenient (in most towns) and most are donativo. Sometimes it’s awkward and you just have to spend, but by camping in France and Switzerland it makes Italy a bit easier.

Hope this helps. And once again, good luck! Luke & Nell

Amazing photos and great information! I’m planning on doing some of the route through Italy. I saw your previous comment about camping 10% of the time, was this because there weren’t as many opportunities to camp in Italy?

Exactly, the Via Francigena doesn’t go past or close enough to campsites in Italy. We camped when we could. But really in Italy you don’t need to camp much because there are good Pilgrim Hostels (Ostelli) along the way in most villages and towns.

Have a good walk! Luke & Nell

Hola Pelerins!! Love your pictures! And the blog. Thanks for sharing. Just wondering when you said around 200 Pound a week was that for both of you or per person ?

Thanks, Karin

Thank you so much Karin! £200 for the both of us per week 🙂 Happy planning! Luke & Nell

Hi Luke and Nell, thanks for all your helpful hints. My wife and I are from Australia are planning to walk the whole VF. next year. A question about crossing the Alps; is this possible in the winter months or is it completely closed? If closed, is there an alternative eg walking on the road and not the path? Sept to Dec would be the ideal time for us to do the walk; do you think this would be ok?

Hi David and Ena, thanks for getting in touch! The latest you would be able to get up on over the Alps pass would be late October, so if you can manage that, go for it. The road will be closed in November and the paths won’t be suitable. If they are closed you can get the bus through to the Italian side. We highly recommend you get up and over the Alps because it is such a highlight of the entire journey! Happy planning, and remember any other questions you know where we are! Luke & Nell

Really helpful comments and advice. I have just completed the Camino Frances, St Jean to Santiago, on my own at 63, the first time I have ever done anything like this. Suffered too with impact blisters which also started to clear up about day 22! Started planning now for VF, having been reading about it on internet. Cicerone guides I have bought, they seem very wordy. Interested you liked Lightfoot, think might get those as well. Thinking of leaving August 12/13 2019. Interested in camping theme in France. Were campsites close to route, or were you ‘wild’? SO encouraged by your text. Catherine

Well done Catherine on completing the Camino Frances! Glad to hear you’re setting out on the VF next year. Do get the Lightfoot, it works well with the Cicerone, particularly in the planning stage. The Lightfoot e-guide is what we opted for, and carried the Cicerone guides. We used campsites and never once wild camped. Through France and Switzerland there are many sites right on the path. We’re going to get round to publishing a list of where we stayed for the entire trip – keep an eye out for that! Subscribe to the blog if you don’t want to miss it! Thanks for the message, and any other questions, you know where we are! L&N

I cannot believe you got back. to me. Happy New Year to you both. I have bought the first two Lightfoot guides and been reading, plotting, planning the first stage Canterbury to Bessancon. Interested that Lightfoot is also online. I will look into that. I am so excited, it is hard to keep it quiet. Once again I will be walking alone as a mid 60ish person – do you think this is a problem? Interested too that you camped. I am looking at doing the same. Wonder what tent you carried- have been reading up so much on the web about lightweight options. I carried about 8k when doing the Camino and would want to try and keep it about that weight again. I look forward to finding, reading your list of campsites etc. Thank you once again for getting back in touch.

Hi Catherine, sorry for the delay, we’ve been bombing around (slowly) in Europe since the new year. Happy new year to you too!

We don’t think it will be a problem walking alone. We found the French to be so incredibly friendly and welcoming!

We had a Vango two person tent. It did the job well. It weighed just under 2.5kg without any moisture. Because of camping and electronics (camera and computer) our were very heavy (Luke carried 20kg and Nell 12kg). If you can do under 10kg with camping gear you’re doing really well!

I am working on the camping/accommodation list right now, so keep an eye on the site (subscribe to be notified of it being published).

Happy planning 🙂 🙂 Thanks again for your message, Luke

Hi! I’m considering buying the Scarpa Terra GTX boots, did you find that they ran a size small? Thanks! Allie

Hi Allie, on the contrary they ran a size larger! Honestly is best to get into a shop and try them on. Good luck 🙂 🙂

Hi Luke and Nell. Just read your blog on the VF. Brought back memories. My wife Gaye and I (Peter) did the whole VF in one go in 2016. A couple of Aussies in our late 60’s. They say the best things happen outside your comfort zone. We had the best time and have felt different about ourselves since. We treated ourselves to our own bathroom each night. Spent the kids inheritance. That’s for your blog and tips on other walks. We have done most walks in UK and the Camino. Now looking for our next challenge.

Feels good to be part of the VF family.

Hi Peter, good to hear from you! Glad you found us and got to look back on your journey 🙂 🙂 As for your next challenge, happy searching and planning – we loved the Rota Vicentina in south-west Portugal…

I’m very excited to have found your website. I’ve hiked the AT, the Camino and various other long and short distance trails. Other than on the Camino I’ve always camped. My question is whether it is necessary to camp or are there ‘always’ places to stay. Thanks so much!

Hi Kerry, good to hear from you! There are always places to stay, so it’s not a necessity! 🙂

Thanks Luke! I’ve been doing a good bit of research and that definitely seems to be correct. I’m excited to take this on.

Are you still planning to share the gpx? That would be incredibly useful.

Still planning on, but haven’t got round to it yet! Moved it to the top of the list 🙂

Hey Luke !!!

Has the GPX been completed ????

Thank you for the lovely account of your walk! I’ll be leaving from Canterbury in early April hiking solo. What worries me most is not having a paper map! I do have Cicerone ebook, and Llightfoot Guide, and have downloaded the official VF guide, and a couple of map guides. On the Caminos I’ve walked, the Brierly guides helped so much. The Terre guide I have just covers the Italian part. I’ll likely just make it to Italy, then return the next year to finish. I wonder if the new guide will be out soon??? Maybe I can pick it up in Canterbury before I depart? Any advice? For example, Cicerone suggests taking canal route out of Calais, all others say to go to Wissant?? Thanks again!

Departure day is very close Susan – how exciting! You’ll be fine with the ebook guides you have. And if ever in doubt on the outskirts of a town -that’s when it most likely happens- just check Google Maps 🙂 Terre guide is great for Italy, highly recommend it. You may want to just continue walking when you get there, if so you can get the guide in towns along the way. The new guide is out later this year, I believe… We took the canal route out of Calais as Cicerone suggests, because we wanted to move south not west to Wissant! The canal walk becomes a nice little walk to Guines, which has a great campsite with free lodging for pilgrims 🙂

Any other questions, you know where we are! Luke

Hi Luke and Nell – your website was always great, but I love the reboot! Did you pack a specialist camera, or have you just gone with a phone camera? Just trying to picture how much of your pack was filled with electronics, cords and batteries.

Steve, hi, sorry we missed this comment!

Thanks very much. We did indeed pack a small camera but only one. Along with a small laptop though (with chargers) it still totted up to a couple of kgs – ouch.

Hi Luke and Nell, I chanced upon your blog today and so glad I did! Hubs and I are considering the Tuscany section next year with baby in tow (he’ll be 18 months by then) – do you think this is feasible? We’re both fit and have done many walks through Asia, including the trek to Everest Base Camp, but never with a baby before.

Hi Alicia, great to hear you’ll be going on a walking adventure as a three! We do think it’s feasible, but the immediate consideration is weather and most importantly sun exposure. Try to avoid summer and give May or September a go. 🙂

There are loads of different accommodation types to choose from in Tuscany at each place you pass through. Some pilgrim accommodation places may not be suitable for a baby. Best to ring/e-mail ahead and secure private rooms if possible.

Any others questions, you know where we are! Luke & Nell

P.S. Everest Base Camp – very impressive! Have you done many other walks in Nepal? We want to return to Asia and explore more solely on foot. Where have your favourite places to walk in Asia been? Thank you!

Hi Luke, our favourite walks in Asia have been: Malaysia: Mt Kinabalu (including the Via Feratta) Japan: Kumano Kodo (we did the Nakahechi route) and Nakasendo Unfortunately we haven’t been able to get back to Nepal. Let me know if you need more information on Malaysia or Japan!

Perfect – thank you Alicia!

Hi Luke and Nell, Thanks for getting back to me! Our favourite walks in Asia have been: Malaysia: Mt Kinabalu (including the Via Feratta) Japan: Nakasendo Japan: Kumano Kodo (we did the Nakahechi route) Unfortunately we haven’t been able to return to Nepal.

Happy to pass on information on the walks in Malaysia and Japan 🙂

Fascinating! If we need some more info we know where you are! Thank you 🙂

Hello Luke – I’m walking the VF from Turin to Rome solo and am wondering, is necessary to always call ahead for accommodation?.. I will be carrying a tent and cooking gear with me, but will not have a phone. Also, did you find the way was well marked through Italy? I read a review of the way online and the biggest complaint was that the markers were few and far between, which made it easy to get lost. Thank you in advance for your info!

It’s best to call ahead during July and August, but at other times of the year you’ll likely be fine just turning up in the late afternoon at pilgrim accommodation. But many places have e-mails, so you can just contact that way if you wish too.

The way is marked well in Italy, some places can be tricky, but we were impressed. Certainly better than the French section! It’s best to have a guidebook anyway.

We camped throughout France, Switzerland and Italy, and have to say Italy was poor for camping. We would recommend not taking the tent for the Italian section. If you want to wild camp, that’s up to you, but it is frowned upon in Italy, unlike in France or Switzerland. Campsites are few and far between in Italy along the route. They’re also as expensive if not more so than pilgrim accommodation in Italy!

Have a good walk, Luke

Hello from Florida, USA! I’m so inspired by your detailed and passionate review. I’ve subscribed on Insta and email and I would greatly enjoy reviewing your GPX/KML files.

Hi Kevin, thank you for the message! Sorry for the delay we’ve been walking in France and then Italy. Thank you for following along on Insta and e-mail 🙂 We’ll let you know via e-mail when GPX files are ready. Luke & Nell

Thanks, Luke. Your Insta has inspired me to make the Farrow Islands a future destination. Checking back on GPX. If easier, you can DM me in Insta @kevincdonahue

hi luke and nell i am going to do the vf this year starting in august ,and then cycling on to santiago from rome ,last year 2018 i cycled from paris to porto via camino and back to irun covering 4000 km on my mountain bike ,i have a gpx for the second half of the vt (st bernard to rome ) ,i wonder if it is possible to review the first half ,i will be taken my garmin to track the whole journey .in 2016 i cycled the camino from hostel to hostel which i found quit expensive ,but 2018 i slept where i stopped ,it was cheaper and there was no rat race to get a bed ,i just used an app called maps.me to find the nearest campsite or where i could sleep.Sadly i am not one for guild books ,i used guild books in 2016-1018 only to give them away a few days into my trip ,i cycle an avg of 100km a day over 12 hours + -,this gives me plenty of time to gauge when the big cities are at its busiest and big climbs hills and mountains (mountains i start out at first light so long i can see 100 wards in front at a safe distance).I wish you all the best luck in your trips and journeys (trips we take ,journeys we remember )

Thanks Tony for the message and your journey(!) sounds amazing! I haven’t yet complete the GPX file for the route we took. I will update subscribers when completed, so subscribe to hear when it’s done 🙂 Happy planning, and we’ll get the GPX out there soon! Luke

Hi Luke and Nell. Thanks for your efforts in putting this site together. I have done the Camino Norte and Portuguese (from Lisbon) this year and have started thinking of the VF for next year. I am fortunate in having a wife and dog but they might forget me if I am away for more than 3 weeks or so. So I am planning to walk from Lausanne to Rome in two stages. I was made apprehensive by reading reports that I might not be able to arrange accomodation or food without a good knowledge of Italian. Your blog has reassured me. So I will restart planning. Thanks again.

Hi David, thanks for the message, glad to hear we’ve reassured you. You’ll be fine with little Italian. You can email most places you want to stay and use google translate, plus also you’ll find people speak at least a little English so it’ll be fine. Any other questions you have let us know – happy planning! Luke & Nell

Thanks for your blog! My friend and I are going to Via Francigena in May 2020. We will have only 10 days for walk so we want to start in San Quirico and finish in Rome. Your stories are very helpfull!

All the best and hello from Ukraine

Pleasure Anastasia! Thank you for your message. Have a fantastic walk through the Val d’Orcia and to Rome. Any questions let us know, Luke

Hi Luke, really enjoyed reading of your experiences of Via Francigena. Unlike most of your readers, my wife and I would like to ‘dip our toes’ into this particular walk , but starting at Sutri and ending with 3/4 days in the City. We have read , here and there, about having to walk along busy roads, particularly on the final stretch from Isola Farnese/ La Storta. This puts us off a bit but we would dearly love to get to a view point where we can stand and gaze at the capital. My suggestions please?

Hi Geoff, good to hear from you

It isn’t a great walk on the whole into the city. But a highlight of the entire walk is within the section: the view of the city from Monte Mario park and gardens. I recommend getting up there for a walk and view.

Any other questions, please let us know, Luke & Nell

Just a quick “Thank You” for writing all of the above. Given this time we are all quarantine bound I appreciate reading a good “read” about something that I can look forward to doing and now having the time to sit down and slowly plan it out. Once again “Thank you” !!!!

No worries, glad we can offer some distraction and inspiration through these difficult times!

Hi, This may seem a silly question, but previous experience (with kids in tow) in Europe indicates that public toilets are infrequent, especially in France. How did you manage when camping if you needed to use a toilet?

The easiest answer to this is visiting cafes along the way! We always wanted a coffee or cold drink, and also snacks, so stopped and they always have facilities.

hello thank you for all the great info. my two tees and I are planing a walk for 2021. I would really like more detailed info on where to stay…camping or other wise. thank you so much

Are you looking for a night by night list? Exactly where we stayed?

Thank you. I am starting to plan and could really use the .GPX file you mentioned if that is still available? Thank you

I have about 2 Months of walking and am hoping on covering 20 miles or so a day. Where would be a good place to start.

I have about 2 Months of walking and am hoping on covering 20 miles or so a day. Where would be a good place to start. Not being possible to walk the entire thing in that time and hoping to end in rome

Sorry for the ridiculous delayed reply, Sam. Did you walk the 2 months on the trail? From the Alps down to Rome? Or from near Turin/Milan?

Hi. I am interested in doing the Via Francigena. But time is a concern so i was wondering if its possible to cut out some of the way to be able to fot it in 40 days.

Thank you for so much knowledgeable information. Just wondering as I’m not an EU citizen how you get to stay in Europe for over 3 months. Did you need a visa.

I will be starting a partial VF in September 2021, starting in Calais, France. Any thoughts as to how I can obtain a pilgrim’s credential? Are they available in the towns that I will pass through? Thanks for any assistance.

Sorry for delay James, hope you had a great walk!

Thanks Luke. This year I walked Arras-Chalindrey and Fornovo di Taro – Lucca. Next year will tackle Calais-Arras and Chalindrey – Swiss border. I have totally enjoyed it. Floods in Calais area resulted in my delaying that portion. Oh, and credentials were easily obtained by writing to one of the tourist offices in France along the route. I got mine from the office de tourisme in Champlitte.

Hi Luke I am planning on walking from Luca to Sienna on first week of May with three friends ,any tips and guidance, dos and donts would be gratefully appreciated. We have walked the last 100k into Santiago and also Porto to Tui. Many Thanks Claire. .

Sorry for delay, Claire, hope you got out and enjoyed Lucca to Siena. It’s a fabulous stretch.

I posted a question somewhere but I don’t see it. Had been maybe 6 month ago. Anyway…here it is again – A friend did the VF with no map or guide and suggested I do the same. She thought it very inspiring to just see where you go and what you get. I’m a very detailed and prepper kinda guy. Doing it her way would be a stretch for me but it might be just what I need. Any thoughts? Thanks so much for your blog.

I’ve replied to the earlier question, Andrew. Sorry again for the delay.

Hi there, VF been on my mind for awhile. I have walked the Camino Frances, Portuguese inland and coastal, Norte, Primitivo and de la Plata and the San Salvador and Camino dos Farros, always in July and was wondering if you can comment on how they compare to the VF. May 2022 will be my goal to start in Canterbury and I plan to go all the way. My specific question: Is there a guide book that covers the whole way and if not which ones would you recommend to bring ? Thank you so much Karl [email protected]

Apologies for the incredibly delayed response, Karl. We disconnected from the website completely. Hope you got onto the VF and walked all the way to Rome. Would love to hear how it was… will reply a bit quicker next time..!

Hi, do you know of a guide that covers the whole route Canterbury to Rome in one book?? Thanks Karl

Hi Karl, they all seem to be split into sections to make more cash! Not ideal when you want to walk the whole way – who wants to carry a library on their back? Leave this with me… Luke

Hi Luke Thanks for your blog – it’s very good 🙂 My wife and I are planning to do a 10 day hike at the VF route ending in Rome. But as a hobby landscape photographer I would also like to see the most picturesque landscapes on the way. Which part – or part’s – of the route would you recommend ? I was wondering perhaps to hike certain areas and then take a bus/train to the next areas and so forth and end our trip in Rome. Does this make any sense ? Looking forward to hear your recommendations

Hi there, so sorry for the lack of reply. Almost a year late! We haven’t been using the blog, as I’m sure you gathered. Did you manage to have a good hike on the VF? If you are still seeking out the most picturesque parts of the VF. Near Rome: Lago Bolsena and the Val d’Orcia. Further afield: any part of the Alps section, the Lavaux vineyards near Lausanne, and the Jura Mountains section. You may need to go back to a different section this summer with you camera! Best wishes, Luke

Hello from Australia. My friend and I have walked the Camino de Santiago and from Great St Bernard Pass to Ivrea. In September we are returning to start at Canterbury then on to Calais and see how far we get on this leg. How well is the French section sign posted? Have read many comments saying not well signed Also would you highly recommend a tent. Thanks for your help

Hi Sue, good on you coming back to carry on chipping away at the VF! I think you’ll really enjoy the (tiny) English and French sections. Signposting is sometimes a little scarce, but you’ll find your way. Use our maps and get yourself a Cicerone/Lightfoot Guide. Try to make your way into Switzerland too, it’s spectacular walking. Happy planning!

Hi Luke and Nell, hope this website still works? Really enjoyed reading your experiences on the Via Francigena. Thank you so much for sharing! My husband and I are planning to walk the whole VF next year. Reading your blog made us realize we should see it as an adventure, rather than a task to be completed. So, four months it is! In the comments we read about a list of accommodations, and GPX files, but we can’t seem to find it on your site. Is it available?

Hi Brigitte, hope you’re well. Glad to hear you’re going to walk the VF in four months – nice to have a little more time to explore along the way. Have an amazing time! Each stage has a post, and on each of those posts there’s a map link. Follow that link and export the GPX from there. Happy planning!

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Slow Mobility and Cultural Tourism. Walking on Historical Paths

• First Online: 13 June 2018

Cite this chapter

• Romano Fistola 4 &
• Rosa Anna La Rocca 5  

Part of the book series: Green Energy and Technology ((GREEN))

Slow mobility could stand as an occasion to foster new sustainable forms of territorial fruition. In this sense, the design of methods and technical tools, able to support the decision-makers, amounts to fundamental exigence of a form of town planning oriented both towards safeguarding and promoting territorial resources. The pursuit of this aim requires an accurate political and administrative strategy based on integration among actors involved in territorial development, as well as being oriented towards attaining improved tourist attractiveness. Tourism, in fact, can be a facilitator of territorial development if it is embedded in the general process of territorial governance. Cultural and historical paths represent physical infrastructures for supporting this sustainable and slow form of tourism involving walking across territories. Using these premises as a starting point, this paper aims to provide a methodology for designing or recovering historical paths suitable for slow mobility. The paper, thus, is articulated in three parts. The first part focuses on the characteristics of slow mobility. The second part highlights the potentialities connected with the revitalization of cultural paths, considered physical infrastructures able to promote sustainable tourism. The third part proposes a methodology for the recovery of a historical path linked to the Via Francigena.

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From Slow Tourism to Slow Travel: An Idea for Marginal Regions

Tourism Territory/Territoire(s) Touristique(s): When Mobility Challenges the Concept

Montalto di Castro - Sustainable Tourism as an Opportunity for Urban and Environmental Regeneration

Definition by the Swiss Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC 2007 ) in the Guidelines for Slow Traffic, Berna 2007, available at www.astra.admin.ch , accessed in March 2010.

It has been estimated that tourism is responsible for around 5% of CO 2 emissions (UNWTO–UNEP–WMO 2008 ), a significant fact if related to the trend of growth in tourism over the last twenty years and its forecast to 2030 (UNWTO 2016 ).

The path of Rural Habit refers to a system of itineraries characterized by the presence of rural ecosystems and local peculiarities (particular handicraft and/or gastronomic productions, specifics of the natural landscape, etc.).

The “Via Francigena” is composed of the set of paths that connected Rome with central-western Europe. The name underlined that the route originated in France. It was also called “Romea,” because it led to Rome, which was the center of Christianity. It has always played a strategic role, being the main link between north and south of Europe, along which merchants, armies and pilgrims passed.

We refer to a type of tourism that takes care of the local population, culture and history and that is characterized by visitors who are willing to spend.

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Inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Social inclusiveness, employment and poverty reduction.

Efficient use of resources, environmental protection and climate change.

Cultural values, diversity and heritage.

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Tourists who use their personal devices (smartphone, tablet, pc, etc.) to organize their travels (booking and planning). In Italy, this kind of user numbers about 1.3 million, with a correspondent market value of about 835 million euros (Amadeus 2016 ).

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“A path is made up of tangible elements, whose cultural significance derives from exchanges and multidimensional dialogues between countries and regions and illustrating the interactive and continuous movement of people along the itinerary, in space and time” (UNESCO 1994 ).

This refers to tourist typologies with reduced impact on the environment: naturalistic and sports tourism, historical, cultural, religious, food and wine-based tours, and so on.

The actions were primarily aimed at the infrastructure and the safety of the route, through the setting up of “stage points,” the design of facilities for accommodation, the forecast of plans for the recovery of monuments, the adaptation of roads and paths to the criteria of practicability in regard to safety conditions, the preparation of plans for local signage, the definition of programs to guarantee the routine maintenance of the route. The plan of action for implementation has led to, among other interventions, the realization of a dedicated Wi-Fi network.

The requirements for the realization of the route are given in the Handbook of European Standards (2016), which indicates the criteria for the selection of itineraries within the territories crossed by the Via Francigena. The criteria for selection refer to:

the safety of pilgrims (wayfarers);

historical importance;

cultural significance;

proximity to points of hospitality;

safety conditions necessary for the monitoring of solitary and shady traits;

the presence of water and refreshment points.

These criteria have been considered for the development of the project described in this paper.

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Acknowledgements

The authors have made a joint contribution to the paper’s conception and design, background and concluding remarks. Rosa Anna La Rocca designed the methodological approach to the problem and the knowledge framework (§§ 1, 2, 3 and 4). Romano Fistola developed the systemic methodology for the path identification (§§ 5 and 6).

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Correspondence to Romano Fistola .

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About this chapter

Fistola, R., La Rocca, R.A. (2018). Slow Mobility and Cultural Tourism. Walking on Historical Paths. In: Papa, R., Fistola, R., Gargiulo, C. (eds) Smart Planning: Sustainability and Mobility in the Age of Change. Green Energy and Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-77682-8_18

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Pilgrimage to Rome Via Francigena

A camino to the eternal city.

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Via Francigena or Camino de Santiago?

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How long is the route, and normally how many days is your travel package?

The Via Francigena of the North, from the Great St. Bernard Pass to Rome, is 1000 km long; the route then continues with the Via Francigena of the South, to Brindisi. For now, we offer the entire route on foot up to Rome and the first part of the Via Francigena of the South, up to Terracina.

We have divided the itinerary into packages of 8/10 days, but we also offer shorter trips of 2/3 days, and the entire route from the Great St. Bernard Pass to Rome. Upon request, we can create a package that includes the stages you want to cover, of the length you prefer.

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A unique experience that combines history, culture and adventure in a transformative journey.

The Via Francigena is a historic pilgrimage route connecting Canterbury, England, with Rome, Italy. More and more pilgrims are choosing to follow in the footsteps of fellow travellers in the Middle Ages.

Popular Tours to do the Via Francigena

Via Francigena | from Lucca to Siena

Via Francigena | from Viterbo to Rome

Where to start via francigena , what is the via francigena.

The Via Francigena is a route that  begins in Canterbury and crosses 4 countries (United Kingdom, France, Switzerland and Italy) before ending in Rome . It is about 2000 km long. It is also known as the  route of the Franks.  This itinerary is a wonderful opportunity to meet many people, visit beautiful places and learn about the history of each country, in a deeper way.

This pilgrimage is less known than other more popular ones (such as  the Way of Saint James ), but it has an enormous historical and traditional value. It is very interesting to see the different meanings that this route has had over the centuries. Over the years, it was not only used by pilgrims. In fact, many merchants and military used this route as well.

For modern pilgrims, the Via Francigena is a unique experience that will allow to discover incredible sites, but also for self-awareness and a deeper contact with the nature.

Located in Tuscany, the city of Lucca is remarkable for its perflectly preserved 16th century walls and its many valuable monuments that reveal its past as the most important city of the Italian Middle Ages.

It is populary known as the “City of 100 towers and 100 churches”, a nickname that describes its silhouette, where towers rise above the rooftops.

from Viterbo

Also known as “The City of Popes” for being the temporary seat of several popes during the 13th century, traces of Etruscan civilisation intertwine with a picturesque medieval layout and therapeutic thermal waters.

Viterbo has a beautiful historic centre that preserves its medieval structure. Its narrow cobbled streets and aquares create an authentic atmosphere that takes visitors back in time.

Route map Via Francigena

Stages via francigena, lucca - altopascio, altopascio - san miniato, san miniato - gambassi terme, gambassi terme-san gimignano, san gimignano - monteriggioni, monteriggioni - siena, viterbo - vetralla, vetralla - sutri, sutri - campagnano di roma, campagnano di roma - isola farnese, isola farnese - roma, difficulty level via francigena.

The Via Francigena is an itinerary considered to be of medium difficulty, characterised by numerous ascents and descents. Please note that the level of difficulty of this route may vary depending on how you decide to divide the stages, your physical condition and the weather conditions at the time of the trip.

The entire Via Francigena is over 20,000 km long from Canterbury to Rome . You can start the route in Lucca or Sienna, with a duration of 134 km; or from Viterbo with 180 km to Rome. The distance travelled each day can affect how difficult it feels, so it is important to plan stages to suit your fitness level.

The Via Francigena traverses a wide variety of terrain as it crosses different countries and regions, from country roads to mountain trails. In England, there are plenty of paths through fields and forests, and paved sections through urban areas. In France and Switzerland, the terrain starts to become mountainous, especially in the alpine regions of Switzerland, and in Italy the terrain runs mainly between hills, plains and urban sections.

Along the Via Francigena, the altitude varies significantly depending on the region . The stages in England are generally flat, but in France you will encounter hills and more undulating terrain. In Italy, the gradients are steeper in Tuscany and the Lazio and Campania region.

The Via Francigena passes through several regions and countries, from England to Italy, and its climate can vary significantly along the route . England has an oceanic climate with hot summers (25°C-30°C) and cold winters with temperatures close to 0°C. Rainfall is abundant throughout the year, especially in winter. Rainfall is abundant throughout the year, especially in winter. France and Switzerland have a continental climate. Temperatures exceed 26°C in summer and range between 6°C and 9°C in winter. Rainfall is heaviest in November. Italy, on the other hand, has a Mediterranean climate and tends to be cool for most of the year. In summer, average temperatures are hot, ranging from 18ºC to 27ºC, while in winter, average temperatures are around 0ºC to approximately 8ºC. At this time of year, rainfall is concentrated, especially in February and November.

Signposting

The signposting along the Via Francigena varies along the route. Mainly, you will find two types of signposting: s ignposts indicating the direction accompanied by an illustration of a pilgrim , and pilgrim symbols in black between two red and white stripes , drawn on surfaces such as rocks or walls. In other regions such as Switzerland or the Val d’Aosta they opted for their own signage in yellow and paint on the ground. The signposting also varies from area to area. Italy is well signposted, but France and Switzerland are less well signposted, although this will not be a problem for continuing the route.

What to see and do in Via Francigena?

Where does the via francigena run.

The Via Francigena is an ancient pilgrimage route that runs from northwestern Europe to central Italy, ending in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City .

At Galiwonders we offer several itineraries on the section of the Via Francigena that runs through Italy. This Way passes through charming regions such as San Gimignano, Siena, Viterbo or Rome.

San Miniato

Situated halfway between Florence and Pisa, San Miniato is located in a strategic historical location on top of three small hills.

Its origins date back to the Middle Ages and it boasts a rich cultural heritage with its walls, built in the 12th century.

Besides being an important artistic town, it is an economic and industrial reference point of the Leather District , a town renowned for its flavours and one of Italy’s places of excellence for the white truffle.

San Gimignano

Known as the medieval Manhattan and located on a hill in Tuscany, is the town of San Gimignano. It preserves a large part of its ancient walls and its historic centre has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Its strategic position on the Via Francigena makes it a reference point for pilgrims and travellers in search of an authentic experience.

Nestled in the hills of Tuscany, this medieval jewel is one of the most visited regions in Italy . In its historic centre stands the Torre del Mangia, where every 2 July and 16 August the traditional Palio, an equestrian competition between the different neighbourhoods of the city, is held.

Nestled between the Apennines and the Tyrrhenian Sea, Rome, “The Eternal City”, is one of Europe’s most historic capitals and is home to the Vatican State , the most influential religious power in the world.

To walk through the streets of Rome is to walk through its incredible history, spanning more than two millennia. It was the seat of the ancient Roman Empire and preserves numerous ancient monuments and ruins, such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Pantheon, all of which bear witness to its grandiose past.

Not to be missed monuments on the Via Francigena

Gunigi tower.

This medieval tower is more than 700 years old and is one of the symbols of the city of Lucca. What makes it even more special is the presence of a garden at the top . At the top, a small oak forest provides shade and a green oasis in the heart of the city.

Elsa Valley

In the region of Tuscany, between the rivers Elsa and Pesa, lies this magnificent valley known for its natural beauty and rich history . Within the valley, you will find several medieval villages such as San Gimignano, Colle di Val d’Elsa and Monteriggioni.

Castle of Monteriggioni

This castle is one of the jewels of the Via Francigena. It dates back to the 13th century and its main purpose was to serve as a defensive fortification to protect the northern border of the territory of Siena against possible invasions. From its walls, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding countryside , including vineyards, hills and typical Tuscan landscapes.

Alternative places to discover on the Via Francigena

Apuan alps national park (italy).

The Apuan Alps rise to an altitude of almost two thousand metres with the Pisa Mountain and are a true spectacle of nature. Majestic peaks with an incredible view of the sea, deep valleys, spectacular caves and green lakes are the protagonists of this environment which has been part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network since 2011.

Mont Saint-Michel (France)

Perched on a rock rising out of a wide bay in Normandy is this medieval walled complex. The site includes a small village and a Benedictine abbey, which in the Middle Ages became an important centre of culture and pilgrimage. It is one of the most visited places in France and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

Chianti Hills

Located between the cities of Florence and Siena, these hills present splendid landscapes of vineyards , chestnut and holm oak woods, evocative medieval villages, romantic castles and fascinating colonial palaces. It is also the land where one of the best red wines in the world is produced: Chianti.

The History of Via Francigena

Let’s see now when the Via Francigena began and how it did develop over the centuries. Perhaps not everyone knows that although  Italy  has a long history, it  is actually a very young country,  whose borders are quite recent. It has always been a place of continuous struggle because many people wanted to establish their control over these lands. Such a fragmented country, needed routes that would facilitate connections, not only in political-military terms, but also for its commercial transactions.

Although with another name, the  Via Francigena finds its origins in the seventh century, due to the controversies between the Longobards and the Byzantines.  It was back then when they understood the need to create a route linking the Kingdom of Pavia in the North, in the hands of the Longobards, with the lands further South.

The route was  originally called “Via de Monte Bardone”  because of the  Mons Langobardorum  (today Cisa) which was the mountain that had to be crossed. The path then followed through the Magra valley and it was going to the city of Lucca. After crossing the Arno river, it continued through the valley of its tributary, the Elsa river,  to reach Siena . There, a simple route through the valleys of Arbia and Orcia allowed travelers to join the ancient Via Cassia,  that eventually would led to Rome .

The first information concerning this pilgrimage dates back to the 9th century,  describing part of the route in the area of Chiusi, in the province of Siena. The term “Via Francigena” was first reported in 876, on a parchment ( Actum Clusio ), preserved in the Abbey of San Salvatore on Monte Amiata.

The Francigena Way: evolution of the road under the Carolingian empire

Due to the change of supremacy from the Longobards to the Francs, they also  changed the name of the route we know today as Via Francigena.  This route was also called “Road belonging to the French” or “Road that departs from France” territory that included the actual France, the Reno valley and the Netherlands.

It was precisely with Charlemagne when the Via Francigena began to receive a greater and more regular traffic, between North and South of Europe.  Thanks to the Carolingian administration, its conditions were greatly improved,  allowing a huge number of people to pass through, including merchants and pilgrims. The practice of pilgrimages became more and more popular and the preferred religious destinations were, in addition to Jerusalem,  Santiago de Compostela  and  Rome .

Sigeric and the Via Francigena in the X century

However, for the Via Francigena to become so well known, it was necessary to wait a little longer.  Precisely until 990 when the same abbot Sigerico called the “Serious”, was ordained by Pope John XV Archbishop of Canterbury.  Pilgrims from all over the world considered the Francigena pilgrimage as a reference ever since.

After being nominated Archbishop of Canterbury in 991, Sigerico returned home, from Rome, and wrote down all the accommodations and places where he had stopped. This manuscript, now preserved in the British Museum in London, reports in detail on his journey back to Canterbury and the 80 houses where he was able to stay overnight.

In a way, we could consider him as the first  travel influencer  in history. Thanks to his book, we were able to understand many of the architectural and historical features along the route. In fact, many consider his work to be the most accredited of the Via Francigena’s itinerary. Nowadays, most people want to do the route from Canterbury to Rome (or, rather, only a part of that route due to the length of the itinerary).

The difficulties of the Via Francigena in the past

Obviously, when we talk about the paths at that time, it had little to do with modern routes as we know them. In fact, in many cases,  the route could vary according to environmental conditions and different seasons.  That’s why, the many pilgrims who managed to complete this route at that time, deserve all our respect! Not only for the long distance they managed to walk but also for the conditions in which they were doing it. Without adequate clothing, they crossed imposing obstacles such as the pass that connects Switzerland and Italy, called  Great St Bernard Pass  (at an altitude of 2,473 m).

During the thirteenth century the Via Francigena, becoming more and more the strategic point of connection for products coming from the East, underwent some modifications. Due to the growth of its commercial role, other alternative routes were added, mainly to include a more direct connection between Florence and Bologna with Rome. The route called “the royal road of Rome” (Bologna-Florence-Siena-Rome) was born and it began to be considered the main route to be used until today.

 What does the Via Francigena mean in modern times?

If we are looking for the meaning of the Via Francigena today, we have to talk about the anthropologist  Giovanni Caselli . Researching this itinerary since  1985 , Caselli, walked the route that connected the 4 countries:  England, France, Switzerland and Italy and reconstructed the complete map.  Caselli did a real field research, following the same steps of Sigerico, almost 1000 years later with the help of the technicians of the Italian Military Geographic Institute. His book entitled: “ Via Romea, cammino di Dio ” (Route of Romea, Way of God) was the first modern guide to the Via Francigena.

In 1994, this route was recognized by the Council of Europe as a “European Cultural Itinerary”.

As for the Camino de Santiago, also this itinerary allows you to receive a certificate at the end of the walk.  This certificate is called “Testimonium”  and can be given if you show the pilgrim passport correctly stamped after at least 100 km by foot and 200 km by bike along the Via Francigena.

After it was recognized European Cultural Itinerary, the Via Francigena continue to grow and many people started to work on its maintenance to make it easier and more comfortable to walk. The importance of this kind of tourism is growing in Italy in the recent years. Therefore, this is the reason why there are more events related to the Via Francigena. Each region, where this way go through, is improving their services to the pilgrims even if this is still  far from what we can find along the Way of Saint James , especially if we talk about the markers on the path.

That’s why we suggest you to book your accommodation along the Via Francigena in advance, getting all the information and maps about the way and avoiding any issues once you are there.

New motivations for modern pilgrims along the Via Francigena

Although the itinerary is the same as it was more than 1000 years ago, the reasons for traveling the Via Francigena today, have changed. A strong connection can be found with new movements  such as the Slow Tourism  and the increase in the number of pilgrims in different countries . Modern pilgrims, who choose to travel this way, may be looking for mystical or religious answers, but in large part they have other motivations.

For example, to visit historical sites that normally cannot be enjoyed because of the mass tourism. To meet people with whom they can share the same values. To practice a physical activity whose enormous benefits have been demonstrated. Immerse themselves in a unique dimension of peace, away from the stress of daily routine. To be in contact with nature. Getting to know the local people, their culture and traditions. And many more factors that are at the base of this constantly growing trend.

If you also want to know more about the Via Francigena and walk a stretch of this beautiful itinerary, do not hesitate to  contact us.  At  Galiwonders , we will take care of all the logistical aspects and you will be able to enjoy this itinerary in complete peace of mind.

Tips if you are going to do Via Francigena

What is the best time of year to follow the vía francígena.

The Via Francigena runs through England, France, part of Switzerland and Italy, so given the difference in these countries, their geographical position and climate will be different. We recommend that you walk the Via Francigena in s pring and autumn , as the weather conditions are more favourable at this time of year.

First of all, you need to consider which section of the route you want to walk. If, for example, you decide to walk the Via Francigena from Canterbury to Rome, you will need more than 3 months. This means that you could start in the second half of June, the ideal time to walk in the UK, and finish at the best time in Italy, September. If, on the other hand, you decide to start the route in Italy, starting in spring, between April and May, and in autumn, between September and October, is the best option.

Tips for doing this route

Doing this route is a manageable experience for everyone if it is properly planned. Even so, there are a few things you should bear in mind before embarking on this adventure:

• Train physically if you are not used to walking long distances. Take a daily walk 2 or 3 months before starting your pilgrimage.
• Hydration and nutrition while walking this route is key to maintaining a good state of health and energy. It is advisable to drink water every 15-20 minutes and eat five high-energy, high-protein meals.
• Don’t load your backpack with unnecessary items , carry only the essentials. This will help you avoid fatigue and stress.
• As for footwear, w e recommend waterproof trekking boots with good cushioning and not wearing new ones to avoid chafing.

If you need more detailed information, you can access it here .

Typical dishes on the Via Francigena

First of all, remember that Italian cuisine, famous all over the world, is not just about pasta, pizza and ice cream. Each Italian region offers many typical dishes, very different from each other. The  Via Francigena , is a route that begins in Canterbury, (England), pass through France and Switzerland, and crosses more than 1000 km in Italy.

This route is a perfect occasion to get to know the culinary differences in the “Bel Paese”. Today we will discover the traditional Christmas menus in each of the regions it passes through (Valle d’Aosta, Piedmont, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany and Lazio).

We start from the north: Aosta Valley, Piedmont and Lombardy.

Typical dishes in Northern Italy

Aosta valley.

As in any Italian region, the antipasti, or  appetizers , cannot be missing at Christmas. In  Valle d’Aosta , among the most typical, we find : Crostini with honey and mocetta (dried salami of beef, sheep or goat meat, flavored with mountain herbs, juniper and garlic), Crostini with fondue cheese and truffle, Alpenballù polenta balls filled with cheese, duck pate with orange and lardo di Arnad, an elaborate and tasty type of bacon, made with cooked and caramelized chestnuts.

As main dishes, after a hot soup with meat and vegetable broth, you can’t miss the  Capriolo de Valdostan  with polenta (strips of deer meat macerated in red wine with aromas). For dessert the famous and delicious  Mont Blanc , named after the mountain that is the symbol of this region. This delicious dessert is made of chestnuts, chocolate and whipped cream that represents the snow.

This is probably the region in which the  starters  are most numerous and elaborated. Among the most typical ones there are the raw meat salad, the anchovies “al verde”, that is a sauce with oil and parsley, the “electric tomini” a typical preparation of a local cheese, vitel tonnè, salad, vol-au-vent with cheese, peppers in  bagna cauda . This is a typical Piedmontese preparation that can be very strong. It is made with oil, anchovies and a lot of garlic, and is served hot with both meat and vegetables.

First we find the  Agnolotti  (a kind of ravioli) with meat sauce. For main dish it is typical to prepare the fried cod or the  brasato al barolo  (stewed meat with local wine) and a great variety of desserts where the  hazelnuts , typical products of the region, are one of the main ingredients. Piedmont is one of the many Italian regions that stands out for its  red wines  such as: the Dolcetto, the Barbera, the Barbaresco, the Arneis, the Barolo and the Nebbiolo. Without counting the most famous sparkling wine for the final toast: the Moscato d’Asti.

As in every region, there is always a great variety of starters but the  Gastronomic Panettone  is becoming more and more popular at Christmas lunch. This one, which differs from the traditional Panettone because it is salty, is composed of many layers as if it were a giant sandwich. To stuff it: cooked ham, cheese, salami, tomato, lettuce, tuna, smoked salmon, artichokes in oil, mayonnaise, pink sauce.

The first dish of this, as of many other regions, is the  Cappellini in brodo , that is fresh pasta (ravioli or tortellini) with meat filling and served with meat broth. Next, we find another main course very common in all Italy: the  stuffed Turkey  (with chopped eggs, parmisan cheese, apples, chestnuts and mortadella).

As a dessert you can’t miss the sweet bread that was invented in Milan. This Christmas dessert started to be exported all over the world with great success some years ago: the  Panettone .

Typical dishes in Central Italy

Emilia- romagna.

This region is famous for its cured meats, such as  Prosciutto crudo di Parma , the most famous Italian cured ham. So to begin with, at the Christmas table we will find many taglieri, that means dishes with a great offer of  cured meats ; Parma ham , salami, Bologna ham, culatello, often accompanied by local cheeses. Instead of serving them with bread, in this region it is typical to accompany them with  Gnocchi Fritti,  a real delicacy. Made with flour, milk, butter and salt, they are fried and served hot to make the cheese and ham fat melt.

Among the main dishes of Emilia-Romagna, we find the Capon and the  Cotechino of Modena , with mashed beans and mustard.  The cotechino is a very tender traditional Christmas and New Year’s Eve boiled ham. The mustard prepared in this region is very different from the French mustard and its recipe varies from city to city. It is prepared mainly with candied fruit with a sweet and spicy flavor at the same time, perfect for boiled meat.

For dessert, you can’t miss the “pinza natalizia”: a dessert made of flour, apple mustard, honey, cocoa, dark chocolate and dried figs. Very typical is also the “tarta bonissima” (literally the delicious cake)!

Let’s see now another region well known for its wines and the most visited one on  the Via Francigena, along its itinerary from Lucca to Siena.

A typical Christmas menu in Tuscany, will have as its starter the classic  crostini di fegatelli , made with a chicken liver pate. For first dish the  ribollita , a vegetable broth made from cabbage and beans and also homemade  ravioli with meat broth . Typical main dishes are duck in orange sauce, capon and  baked guinea fowl . But also we can find snails with sauce and, near the sea, soup of seafood and fish.

For dessert we find the typical  Pagnottella di Natale  made with figs, raisins, nuts and almonds and the Castagnaccio alla Toscana, made with similar ingredients. A real treat!

This is the last region through which the Via Francigena passes, since  the route ends in the Eternal City, Rome . Among the starters you cannot miss a good “ bruschetta “, (toasted bread with tomato), bread stuffed with mushrooms, meat and bechamel. You will also be able to find eel, fried cod fillets and fried artichokes.

Among the first dishes, there is the  soup with broccoli and clams , tomatoes stuffed with rice and several types of pasta (with cacio and pepe or with tuna). As a main dish you can find, eel, turkey stuffed with chestnuts and sausages, or stewed lamb. To finish among the desserts of the Lazio there is the bread pepato or yellow bread. Both are filled with nuts, raisins and chocolate. Also, honey or sugar is added to sweeten them.

The European Francigena Marathon?

In  Galiwonders  we love walking and exploring new countries, so we want to inform about this event to all our friends who share our same passion.

Even though the European Francigena Marathon is just a walking at a slow-pace event, who participate still has to walk 42,195 km, so they should be trained to finish it. This is not a competitive race but just a nice occasion to allow people to know this beautiful route and have a unique experience together with hundreds of other participants.

Remember that the registration deadline is the 15 May 2019, so hurry up!

The track will start in Acquapendente (132 km north of Rome) and end in Montefiascone after 42,195 km of walking at a slow-pace along the  Francigena .

This is a beautiful initiative to get to know this path whose great historic past is still alive today.

Some of the alternative routes of the marathon are:

• Acquapendente – San Lorenzo Nuovo: 11,3 km
• Acquapendente – Bolsena: 23,5 km
• San Lorenzo Nuovo – Bolsena: 12,2 km
• San Lorenzo – Montefiascone: 30,9 km
• Bolsena – Montefiascone: 18,7 km

The track of the Francigena Marathon

The begin of the Francigena Marathon is in the town of Acquapendente, at the border between Umbria and Tuscany.

After leaving the Piazza del Comune (the town hall square), the participants will pass through some of the most emblematic parts of the town and close by the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre.

Later, the itinerary continues to the town of San Lorenzo Nuovo for the first interim arrival (11.3 km). For those who want to proceed until the next stage of Bolsena (23,5 km), the path will lead along the volcanic ridge. Passing near the Basilica of Santa Cristina they will then continue  until Montefiascone (42,195 km). This will be the last and more arduous section of the entire walk. The beauty of the landscape will make the effort a bit more endurable, like passing by the Turona nature reserve or enjoying the view over the Bolsena lake from the top of the historical village of Montefalcone.

At the end of the marathon, the participants will arrive 100 km from the tomb of Peter, and they will be able to admire the Fortress of the Popes. Called  Rocca dei Papi  in the italian language, it was built by Pope Innocent III during the 13th century and used by many other popes after him. From its gardens the view are simply incredible!

The Francigena Marathon is not enough for you?

If you think the Francigena Marathon is not challenging enough for you don’t worry, there is something more.

On October 12th you will be able to participate in the World Francigena Ultramarathon in Italy!

Yes, they also thought about the most extreme walkers who want to challenge their limits even more.

The registration to this event is already open… so do you dare to do it?

In case it is too challenging don’t worry, there is a shorter track of “only” 65 Km form San Quirico D’Orcia to Acquapendente.

The route will be of 120 km from Siena to Acquapendente and only people older than 20 can register for it.

Via Francigena for a School Group?

In general, it has been widely demonstrated that playing sports,  practicing activities in a natural environment  and sharing difficult experiences with others (some sections may require moderate physical effort)  decrease stress, increase good moods and strengthen emotional bonds among participants.  All of this, undoubtedly contributes to the well-being of those embarking on a journey such as the Via Francigena. In addition, it is an opportunity to deepen the knowledge of local history and culture, integrating the theory learned at school with a more practical approach.

Moreover, in the case of foreign students, this would undoubtedly be a unique opportunity to live a multicultural experience and be able to practice in a foreign language. You can find the description of these benefits in our interview to an American teacher that  walked the Camino de Santiago with her a school group.

In fact, the Camino, as Molly (the teacher) explains, allowed them to discover new skills, such as  perseverance, flexibility and the importance of the group . According to her, everything they shared on the walk, helped them to better cope with the coronavirus crisis. The students themselves showed immense gratitude for being able to experience this moment together, before they were forced to separate and keep social distance.

At a time like the one we are living, the figure of the student must be more central than ever. The self-confidence and feeling of belonging to a group that can come from an adventure like the Via Francigena is undoubtedly invaluable for students who have been cut off from social relations for so long.

8 british famous personalities walk The Via Francigena

This heterogeneous group of walkers was formed by the actors Les Dennis and Lesley Joseph, the professional dancer Brendan Cole, the comedians Stephen K Amos and Katy Brand, the Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford, the Irish Eurovision Song contest winner Dana and the television presenter Mehreen Baig.

The itinerary

Due to its altitude of 2473 meters, the Great St Bernard Pass stands out for many reasons.

Except for winter, when the pass is covered by almost 15 meters of snow, people cross here the Alps since centuries.

The Great St Bernard Pass, has been known since  the Roman times in the 1st century. Later, in Medieval times was also traveled and reached its busiest moment in the XI century with the pilgrims.

Even though the Via Francigena originally starts in Canterbury, goes through France and Switzerland to continue in Italy, our 8 celebrities “only” had to complete the italian part of the walk for a total of 1000 km.

In order to complete the journey, they only had 15 days .

They arrived in Martigny (Swiss- Italian border) and caught a mountain train until Orsieres.

From there they started to descend Italy, direction Rome.

Therefore, they cross many beautiful cities as Lucca and Siena in Tuscany. Moreover, in the same region they could get some rest in the thermal pool of the Parco dei Molini.

Crossing waterfalls, forests, mountains and hills their walk couldn’t be more complete.

Why book with Galiwonders?

Your way. tailor-made..

We will design an itinerary tailored to your needs, preferences and budget and book all services for you. You enjoy the road.

We are on El Camino

Galicia is our home. We have traveled all the routes of the Camino and we have direct contact with the service providers on the Camino.

We are travelers too

We speak several languages, have lived abroad and have years of experience in organizing trips for people from all over the world.

An unforgettable experience

Hundreds of pilgrims repeat year after year the experience of traveling with us. We want you to be one of them. And that is why we will strive to make your trip unique and unforgettable.

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Heritage and new communication technologies: development perspectives on the basis of the Via Francigena experience

2020, E. LEMMI

Tourism market trends are changing in relation to the new communication technology dynamics, thus, web tourism 4.0 is providing new tools and new marketing approaches for Destination Management and Destination Marketing. In this scenario, slow tourism, with its multiple tourist offers, is oriented to a pro-summer approach, based on strategic communication marketing. This paper wants to propose some marketing perspectives for walking itineraries, such as the Via Francigena, on the basis of video marketing tools and, in particular, by taking advantage of the positive effects of cinetourism on the local tourism systems. The descriptive methodology of research analyses, firstly, the potential of new technologies for slow tourism; then, the Via Francigena, as a world-famous slow travel product, in terms of both real and virtual experience. A recent pilgrimage experience on the Via Francigena is also described by emphasizing its video marketing elements. Finally, some reflections on the role of communication strategies for tourism opens new hypothetical perspectives for cinetourism as a relevant Destination Management vision towards some slow tourism products.

Related Papers

Archeostorie. Journal of Public Archaeology

Alessio Innocenti

The relationship between culture and tourism has become a key element in every discussion related to the future of tourism. Cultural Tourism is perceived as a form of “good” and sustainable tourism, and its growth is recognised by experts and scholars. “Cultural Routes” of the Council of Europe are an example of cultural tourism developed in a sustainable form, but how can archaeologists be involved in this context? The aim of this paper is to analyse cultural tourism trends, underline the potentiality of Cultural Route program and describe the touristic demand related to Cultural Routes. Then, it will be illustrated the role of Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism (MiBACT) in the Cultural Routes context. Finally, it will be explained which role archaeology can play in the cultural routes field, and how archaeologists’ skills can be useful for the development of these projects.

The European Pilgrimage Routes for promoting sustainable and quality tourism in rural areas

Gianni Petino , Famoso F.

It is difcult to imagine forms of local development during a global crisis with devastating efects of long or very long term, deliberately “re-thinking” about forms of development on the base of the relation between place and culture and highlighting spatial characteristics according to a no-intrusive touristic valorization of territories and local communities. The force idea of this research lies on the recovery and valorization of one of many pilgrimages to the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna of Tindari, from the Ionian coast to the Tyrrhenian one and way back. It has been basically chosen to contemplate a territory with its administrative units, more or less directly connected to the passage of the “route”, imagining this route as a catgut of various and diferent realities that are added to the diversities caused by the position between two distinct sides of the Peloritan Mountains. Almost of all these municipalities, excluding those ones that are located in the coastal areas, are characterized by the typical phenomena of internal areas. It has been chosen to address to several prototypes of users who, on one hand, are oriented toward a bipolar approach of pilgrimages, on the other hand decide to travel on the edge and to explore urban fragments, often degraded, randomly spread from one side to the other, where the boundaries between rurality and city, development and not only economic marginality are not clear. At the same time, as in this research it will be induced, we are trying to ofer an interstitial opportunity to communities that “live” pressed between touristic destinations characterized by strong attraction and others with international appeal.

Monica Siena , Enrica Lemmi

The cities of art and the coastal Tuscan towns have always been strong touristic attractions and despite the continuous development of new routes and the research of different, non traditional kinds of tourism, their competitiveness is still important. The internal Tuscan areas, thanks to a varied heritage of resources not yet well known and exploited, could accomplish a new task and gain a higher rank as places for an alternative tourism rather than for an occasional one. This reversal is feasible through a rediscovery process of forgotten resources that could be emphasized by an incisive territorial marketing, able to start up new employments and new touristic market segments. The study of place names, through appropriate both linguistic and geographical tools (topographic I.G.M. maps; Environmental Information System of Regione Toscana, etc.) make come up hidden identities in geographical areas that can be exploited because of their cultural heritage or their landscape. Sometimes the discovery of old linguistic remains is essential to understand the meaning and the role of places and of buildings linked to a past living of some ethnic groups who unconsciously let somewhere their marks. The Italian Peninsula is rich in particular place names, due to the passage of people both from the North and from the Mediterranean Sea in different periods and for different purposes. In Tuscany, too, some areas do exist which have a cultural heritage depending on ancestral presences that can be still revealed: the study of toponyms, in fact, is an effective way to understand the origins and the role of places, the interaction between man and the territories where he lived, the historical and geographical changes. Toponyms are able to let us understand the identity and the uniqueness of a place, reveal us the sense of place and build a cultural base in order to make local institutions aware of it, bringing them to apply for a valorisation of economically weak regions. In particular we will deal with the path of Via Francigena in Tuscany, between Lunigiana and Val d’Orcia, where we find some economic important areas since their origins, rich in resources and cultural quality; some other ones considered “minor” but vital enough thanks to the new rural policy; and, at last, some other marginal areas.

Juana Gómez Pérez

This document centres around a comparative study of two models of spa management, Bath (United Kingdom) and Alange (Extremadura, Spain). The former is an example of the Anglo-Saxon model and is observed from an outsider’s perspective. The latter is a local model, well-known and experienced for many years in our own region. Both are founded upon on similar ancestral legends wherein a person is cured from a serious illness and the spa is born as a result of that cure. Both towns have meaningful names, which tells us something about their past, present, and future. For our research, we analysed the main websites and obtained information in conversations with the owners, employees, and neighbours. Our personal experience as clients attuned to and involved in carrying out this project was essential in this descriptive and comparative study. The two spas, and the two towns, are a direct inheritance of the Roman Empire, to say the least. They share the fact that twenty centuries later they remain iconic sites in their own areas. They are both recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. The reason for this recognition and for their survival is the indispensable resource of their mineral-medicinal waters. These waters have an intense and direct restorative effect on the health of those who seek multi-day treatment to alleviate their illnesses under medical supervision. In the modern day, there has been a proliferation of establishments with spas. There seems to be an obsession with the cult of the body, spirituality, alternative therapies, and the search for a mind-body balance. These establishments offer different treatments with massages and bodywork with natural products that without a doubt improve the health and well-being of those who receive it. Their waters and steam, which are certainly good, are not necessarily different than any other location. But it is the curative properties of the water which distinguish thermal baths like Bath and Alange and have allowed them to survive throughout time and history. The preservation of the properties of their waters and the coexistence of modern construction alongside ancient Roman baths is what keeps these baths in the highest 125 esteem, all based on the mineral-medicinal waters, their traditional therapies, and the abundance of natural, historical, and cultural resources. Bath and Alange, notwithstanding the above-stated similarities which are essential for their common past, are two very different places due to their location, climate, the number and qualities of their inhabitants, their resources, the number of visitors they receive, and the types of visitors. Bath can be seen as a resort city, with a broad touristic vision with large hotels, theatres, shops, and cultural tours. Alange is in a rural area, a small resort town with a vision limited to the treatment of illnesses and few other opportunities, such as hiking, water sports in the lake, and possible trips to Mérida, all dedicated to rest and relaxation. Everything moves slower in Alange. In Bath, as in the rest of Europe, there is large-scale institutional recognition and support. In Alange, as in the rest of Europe, more effort and time is being invested in understanding these types of places as resources to receive the type of person that, besides medical treatment, is seeking well-being and alternatives to the tourism of sun and sand.

Antonio Nobile

Themed networks are increasingly being developed to attract sustainable tourism as a means to valorise heritage, attract visitors to marginalised areas, promote opportunities for cooperation, and ultimately to generate social, cultural and economic benefits for local communities. Within the European Union the potential in themed trails has long been recognized and a range of routes has been developed. These span the continent charged with the political agenda of promoting the values of a shared European Cultural Identity. This research endeavours to analyse the impacts of the Cultural Route, the Via Francigena, on both visitors and host communities, ultimately to generate knowledge and make informed recommendations to the tourism industry regarding the successful development of a tourism network project.

Jonatan Gomez Punzon

Alongside tourism´s expansion, cultural routes have been gaining increasing prominence in recent years. These renowned routes are some of the world´s richest and most diverse cultural destinations, building upon unique local heritage and traditions while encouraging the close participation of local communities. Apart from enhancing the visitor experience, cultural routes represent immense opportunities for economic growth and inclusive development by creating employment and small business ventures, helping to distribute tourism´s socio-economic benefits throughout multiple value chains. In addition, these routes stimulate cultural exchanges that instill local pride, enrich the cultural identity and heritage of destinations and foster closer ties between visitors and host communities. The significance of cultural routes in sustainable tourism development has been part of UNWTO’s work for many years now, most notably through the Samarkand Declaration on Silk Road Tourism, which gathers the commitment of 19 countries to promote the “fruitful rebirth of legendary routes as one of the world´s richest cultural tourism destinations”. In 2015, cultural itineraries were highlighted in the very first UNWTO/UNESCO World Conference on Tourism and Culture in Cambodia, which aimed to seal the strong alliance between tourism and culture towards sustainable development. Against this backdrop, this Global Report on Cultural Routes and Itineraries presents key information on the current trends, along with case studies highlighting public-private sector cooperation in the development of cultural routes, underscoring the importance of cross-sectorial coordination to guarantee the protection, preservation and conservation of cultural itineraries and attractions in the framework of tourism development.

Linsen Lu Pilgrim Settembrini

In English and then Italian. This is only a sample. For the complete work please contact me. The purpose of my thesis is to address and redefine the motivations associated with the groups of tourists and pilgrims. Research is divided into two parts: quantitative and qualitative part. Specifically, I explored the experiences of pilgrims in Lazio over the last few years and their relationship with tourists. The product of the thesis is a visual chart that outlines the intersections of the various interests of the pilgrims (cultural, natural, gastronomic, historical, religious, etc.). This chart could be utilized by local residents to assess what attracts pilgrims and tourists to the local area. By using this tool professionals in the cultural heritage could better develop local networks. Lo scopo della mia tesi è quello di affrontare e ridefinire le nozioni che abbiamo di chi è turista o un pellegrino e di cosa li rende tali. La ricerca si suddivide in una parte quantativa ed in una parte qualitativa in cui ho svolto una ricerca delle loro motivazioni. L'argomento era relativo alle esperienze dei pellegrini nel Lazio nel corso degli ultimi anni e del loro rapporto con i turisti. Il prodotto della tesi è un grafico visivo che delinea le intersezioni dei vari interessi dei pellegrini (culturale, naturale, gastronomico, storico, religioso, ecc). Questo grafico potrebbe essere utilizzato per aree locali e poi essere posto su una mappa per vedere cosa attrae i pellegrini e come il loro viaggio possa completamente mutare. Così i professionisiti nell'ambito del patrimonio culturale potrebbero meglio svilluppare questi aspetti.

In: Handbook of Research on Socio-Economic Impacts of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage

Yorgos Tzedopoulos , Afroditi Kamara , Kleopatra Ferla , Despoina Lampada

International Journal of Tourism Policy, 9(2), 131-154

Panos Chountalas , Eleni Mavragani , Anastasios Magoutas

This study explores the interest of potential visitors to participate in a proposed cultural route, themed after the Labors of Hercules in the Peloponnese. The main objectives of this study are to outline the demographic profile of potential visitors of the route and to explore appropriate means of organisation and promotion to ensure its success. To achieve these objectives, we conducted a field survey, distributing a questionnaire, from which 519 valid responses were collected. The survey results showed that there is strong interest for participation in the proposed route. In terms of demographics, most interest was expressed by highly educated women of all age groups. Survey participants expressed a strong desire for guided tours, and interest in modern services provided at waypoints. Finally, we concluded that the most feasible way to promote the route should not be limited to its cultural content, but should also emphasise the natural beauty and alternative tourism activities that it offers. 132 V. Chountala et al. The managerial implications of the present study could be useful for tourist operators, professionals and destination management organisations who may be interested in implementing this proposed route or any other cultural routes in the future.

Despite the present scenario of a general economic uncertainty, Tuscan rural spaces are still appealing to tourists from Italy and abroad. The changes which took place in the early 1990’s are still evolving in these rural places, where farmers are adapting their supply to the demand of this changing market. In fact, nowadays, there still is a tourist demand for on an old-style holiday in rural spaces which is based on the attraction towards natural places and genuine food, while a demand for a more stunning glamourous-style holiday is increasing. The widespread presence of farms involved in tourism is sizable, with more than 4.000 farms (and about 52.000 beds) recorded in 2011 which were dispersed around places with valued cultural landscape and linked to appreciated and certified products which in some areas are the pivotal resources. Rethinking rural tourism and agritourism through a wider range of integrated and customized services and looking at rural areas from a different perspective are representing two important strategies in order to implement the experience-oriented tourism in the countryside too.

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Via Francigena

• 5 June 2024

The event, open to the public, will be held on June 19 in Piazza Duomo and will be followed by a tasting of the “bruschetta del viandante” and a guided tour of the Santa Maria della Scala complex, home to the historic pilgrim hostel recently reopened.

Fidenza, May 29, 2024 – On Wednesday, June 19, the new issue of the magazine “Via Francigena and the European Cultural Routes” will be presented in Siena, at Santa Maria della Scala in Piazza Duomo.

The 57th edition of the trilingual magazine (house organ of the EAVF), soon to be available on the website www.rivistaviafrancigena.it/en/ , includes a special focus on Siena , the splendid Tuscan city traversed by the Francigena route, as attested by the diary of Sigeric, the English archbishop who in the year 990 covered the journey between Rome and Canterbury in 79 stages, after receiving the Pallium from the Pope’s hands. Even today, the official route crosses the city of Siena and its province for 1 20 kilometers , through hills, cypresses, and breathtaking villages such as San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Montalcino, San Quirico d’Orcia, Castiglione d’Orcia, Radicofani, San Casciano dei Bagni, as well as the Abbadia San Salvatore variant.

The route connecting Siena to Rome is one of the most frequented sections by wayfarers from all over the world, who reach the Vatican from the famous Piazza del Campo in about 14 days, after 285 km of pure beauty.

INSIDE THE NEW ISSUE

The new issue of the magazine features in-depth reports on the recent EAVF General Assembly in Vevey , Switzerland, accounts of international events such as the “Grand Randonnée FFR” towards Paris and the snowy experience at the Hospice of the Great St Bernard , as well as specials on places of interest related to the route such as the UNESCO heritage city of Mantua, along with practical tips for organizing the journey, thanks to the opening of the hostel in Medesano along the Parma stage from Fidenza to Fornovo.

The magazine includes an important editorial by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejčinović Burić , highlighting the crucial role of the Francigena route in promoting intercultural dialogue and European heritage on the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of the recognition of the Via Francigena as a cultural route of the Council of Europe. This is followed by a speech by the Italian Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanchè , emphasizing how the Francigena is among the emblems of slow tourism, as well as one of the main assets of the 2023-2027 Strategic Tourism Plan on which the Italian Ministry is working.

The presentation, open to the public, will be inaugurated with institutional greetings from Siena’s Tourism Councillor Vanna Giunti , Regional Councillor of Tuscany Francesco Gazzetti , and EAVF Deputy Vice President Francesco Ferrari : this will be followed by speeches by Luca Faravelli , EAVF Project Manager, the magazine’s publisher Stefano Guidotti , the director of the Consorzio Prosciutto Toscano DOP Emore Magni , and Igino Morini from the Consorzio Parmigiano Reggiano’s Territorial Promotion . Chef Alessandro Pieragnoli , creator of the famous “bruschetta del viandante,” will participate, with a delicious tasting planned.

A guided tour of the Santa Maria della Scala complex will follow, which houses the Casa delle Balie , where abandoned or unrecognized children were taken in: currently, the structure is a 25-bed hostel , reopened last March 29 after a period of inactivity during the pandemic. A place rich in history in the historic center of Siena, an unmissable stop for those seeking an authentic experience in the heart of one of Italy’s most fascinating cities.

For more information:

Simona Spinola, AEVF Communication Contact: [email protected] – www.viefrancigene.org

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The Via Francigena is featured on the HIKE Project Website!

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The EAVF Team explores the winter Via Francigena in Switzerland

Photo gallery.

EAVF General Assembly, Pavia (Italy)  |  20 October 2023

Southern Italy Emotions

Best sellers.

The Via Francigena in Tuscany: from Lucca to Siena

Trekking in Cilento: Cammino di San Nilo

Cammino Materano from Bari to Matera

The southern Via Francigena

Magna Via Francigena trail: from Palermo to Agrigento

Discover Liguria: Cinque Terre walking holiday

Authentic experiences.

On a slow journey, arriving first is not important, but it is what you encounter along the way that gives value to the time spent on the road. Just do what inspires you.

Trekking Bike Male

Bianchi Gravel Bike ~ All Road

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Visit Agrigento: the complete guide

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