Our Via Francigena articles are here to inform and inspire you to walk this historic pilgrimage route in Italy, one that has been walked for centuries. The most popular trails to start your journey with are the Via Francigena in Tuscany, or we have created a specific Cycling section of the Via Francigena, and the Last section of the Via Francigena into Rome – the last 100km in one week. This stunning Pilgrimage to Rome was named European Cultural Route by the Council of Europe in 1994, with highlights on the Via Francigena including Siena, Lucca, San Giminiano, Rome and the Vatican.
What is the best time to walk the Via Francigena? The Via Francigena, or Camino to Rome, is a 1900km-long pilgrimage route crossing most of Europe from the UK to Italy, therefore weather will vary greatly from North to South throughout the year. So what is the best time to walk the Via Francigena? While […]
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Francigena Culture: 6 heroic Italian movies Why not have a movie night before your walking holiday on the Via Francigena trail. It is not difficult to see why so many notable Directors choose Italy as their preferred film location. For the most part the landscape naturally feels like a film set without having to dress
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The Holy Year, or Jubilee, has been a significant event in the Catholic Church for centuries. Set to take place in 2025, the Jubilee is an extraordinary year of forgiveness and renewal. Pilgrims worldwide will journey to sacred destinations, with Rome being a focal point. One of the most cherished pilgrimage routes to Rome is
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If you’re walking or cycling along the Via Francigena, set aside an extra day to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the Eternal City. After completing the final section of the Via Francigena from Viterbo to Rome, you’ll find that Rome offers a treasure trove of cultural and historical experiences. Here are the key
The Via Francigena is a historic pilgrimage route that starts in Canterbury, England, weaves through France and Switzerland, and ends in Rome, Italy. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages. This scenic trail is a journey through history, culture, and stunning landscapes, making it a treasured route for modern-day pilgrims and travellers alike. Below,
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San Gimignano on the Via Francigena San Gimignano, a medieval hilltop town in Tuscany, is a jewel along the Via Francigena. It is a stop while walking from Lucca to Siena on this historic pilgrimage route, making it an essential part of the experience. With its unique skyline, rich history, and breathtaking views, this town
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The Via Francigena trail ends in the stunning city of Rome. While 24 hours isn’t enough to explore everything this historic city offers, it’s plenty of time to glimpse its charm. If you’re ready to embrace la dolce vita, here’s a guide to making the most of your day in Rome. 9 am: Start the
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Exploring the Val d’Orcia: A Highlight of the Via Francigena Historical Significance The Val d’Orcia in Tuscany is a must-see region on the Via Francigena and a key highlight of the Camino to Rome. This historic route, originally known as Via Cassia, has crossed the Val d’Orcia since Roman times. Over the centuries, the Via
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Exploring the Medieval Charm of Viterbo Nestled in the Lazio region of Italy, Viterbo offers a captivating glimpse into the past. As a popular starting point for the Via Francigena, it’s the perfect place to begin walking the last 100km of the Via Francigena from Viterbo to Rome. Boasting one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval centres,
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Siena, a gem in the heart of Tuscany, is one of the most captivating stops along the Via Francigena. This UNESCO World Heritage city is a testament to Gothic architecture, blending harmoniously with its stunning Tuscan surroundings. As you walk the Via Francigena, a pilgrimage route that takes you through some of Italy’s most historic
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The beautiful walled city of Lucca in Tuscany is one of the highlights of the Via Francigena, Italy’s renowned pilgrimage trail. Many walkers begin their journey from Lucca, heading towards the stunning city of Siena. While some may opt to start in San Miniato, skipping the initial walking days out of Lucca, this charming city
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The Via Francigena trail might not be as well known as the Camino de Santiago, but it has been a path taken by pilgrims across Europe for centuries. We explain the Via Francigena, the Camino to Rome, in 15 exciting and simple facts: 15 Via Francigena Facts Distance and Route Historical Significance Pronunciation and Recognition
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Italian Christmas Traditions and Festive Markets Christmas is a special time of year; every country has unique traditions. In Italy, particularly in the Via Francigena and St Francis Way regions, Christmas is celebrated with various events, foods, and customs that make it truly unique. To help you experience Christmas the Italian way, we’ve chosen six
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Francesco’s Via Francigena Guide. At the end of September, we ran one of our Guided tours on the Via Francigena in Italy. After a beautiful tour, we sat down with the tour guide, Francesco, to talk more about guided tours on the Via Francigena and what visitors can expect: Hello Francesco, can you tell me
Q&A with Francesco Via Francigena Guide Read More »
Why cycle the Via Francigena in Tuscany? Tuscany is world-renowned as being one of the most beautiful parts of Italy. The Via Francigena route, which passes through Tuscany, offers the perfect opportunity to experience the region by bike. The Via Francigena passes through Tuscany as the Via travels from Canterbury to Rome. Along the way, you
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The Via Francigena, also referred to as the Camino to Rome, offers an alternative to the popular Camino de Santiago routes. It is like stepping into a tapestry of European history and spirituality. For those looking to experience the Via Francigena, choosing the right starting point is crucial. Here, we explore some of the best
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Credenziali and Testimonium, the Via Francigena’s Pilgrim Passport and Certificate The Testimonium Peregrinationis ad Limina Petri Testimonium is the name given to the certificate you can receive when you complete your pilgrimage to Rome along the Via Francigena. The Via Francigena equivalent of the Compostela was awarded to those walking the Camino de Santiago. To request
Obtaining the Via Francigena pilgrim passport – Testimonium. Read More »
Inspiring landscapes on the Via Francigena by Jennifer Jennifer is an enthusiastic walker and painter who has previously spent time on the Camino de Santiago trails and now gives us some insights about her trip on the Via Francigena trail, also known as the Camino to Rome. We hope you enjoy this extract from her
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Experience Holy Week in Italy – Unmissable Easter Events in Rome Are you planning to finish your Via Francigena walk in Rome this Easter? Holy Week is one of the most important weeks in the Catholic calendar, so this is a special time to spend a few days in Italy’s capital. If you find yourself in
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Easter is a fantastic time to discover the Via Francigena, particularly if you’d like to experience Easter in Italy, its unique celebrations, and traditions. Many cities and towns across Italy, big and small, hold Easter processions during Easter week or ‘Pasqua’, generally starting on Palm Sunday 10th April in 2022 and up to Easter Sunday
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