The history of the Via Francigena pilgrim route dates back to the Middle Ages. The full Via Francigena pilgrimage is from Canterbury to Rome, covering 1,700 km, passing through France and Switzerland along the way.
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Sigeric the Serious: The Route is Documented (990 AD)
The pilgrimage from northern Europe to Rome was first illustrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury in 990 AD. Archbishop Sigeric is also known as Sigeric the Serious — he travelled to Rome to be ordained by Pope John XV. When he returned home he wrote a travel diary, detailing his experiences along the walking route and noting 80 distinct stopping places for pilgrims who choose to embark on the journey. The diary of Sigeric is still considered the most authoritative source for the direction of the route. It is often called “the Via Francigena according to Sigeric” to define it as a more philological path.
Rome, Santiago, Jerusalem
Travelling this passage dates back to the seventh century when the Lombards vied for more territory in Italy.
Towards the end of the first millennium, Rome was considered holy ground and the importance of sites like Santiago de Compostela, the Via Francigena and Jerusalem increased dramatically. The activity of pilgrimage journeys grew in profile. Often pilgrims would walk the way to Rome and continue towards the port of Puglia where they would make the journey for Jerusalem. Instead of heading south, Italian pilgrims would follow the road to Rome and upwards to Santiago. Pilgrims would get blessed by a local priest and prepare a full will before leaving on the long-distance journey. The Via Francigena was increasingly used as an important European trade route. The increasing use of the Via Francigena as a trade route led to the unprecedented development of many towns along the way. The way became an essential route to take the goods from the east — silk, spices — to the markets of northern Europe and trade them.
The towns along the route grew dramatically during this period. Lucca became a major centre of silk weaving and banking. Siena developed into one of Europe’s most important cities. Viterbo became wealthy enough to serve as the papal residence for much of the 13th century. San Gimignano’s famous towers were built by merchant families who had grown rich on the trade passing through their town.
Decline: The 13th Century Onwards
In the 13th century trade grew to such an extent that several alternative routes to the Via Francigena were developed, and it therefore lost its unique character and broke into numerous different routes linking the north and Rome. Also, the walking paths and trails often linked monasteries instead of major cities and by the 16th century, there were more direct routes.
Revival: The 20th Century to Today
The number of modern pilgrims on the Via Francigena is very small compared to medieval times, the heyday of long-distance pilgrimage in Europe. However, the Via Francigena has been slowly rediscovered in recent years, particularly since the 1990s. The route received the title of European Cultural Route by the Council of Europe in 1994, meaning more resources and funds were allocated to maintain, mark and promote the trail, particularly by the Italian Government. In 2007 a 0km milestone was laid outside Canterbury Cathedral, the official starting point of the Via Francigena.
Like the Camino de Santiago, the Via Francigena is today more than just a pilgrimage: it is an adventure that gives walkers and cyclists a precious opportunity to discover Europe and the cultures along the route at a different pace.
Walking the Via Francigena Today
Every section of the Via Francigena is a walk through this history. The best starting point depends on how much time you have — from the full Lucca to Rome journey to the last 100km from Viterbo that qualifies you for the Testimonium certificate. For the most popular sections see our popular Via Francigena routes guide, or use our Camino Planner to start planning your walk.
FAQ: History of the Via Francigena
How old is the Via Francigena?
Travelling this passage dates back to the 7th century. As a documented pilgrimage route it dates to 990 AD when Sigeric the Serious recorded his journey. As a modern long-distance walking trail it was formally revived in the 1990s.
Who was Sigeric the Serious?
Sigeric was Archbishop of Canterbury who travelled to Rome in 990 AD to be ordained by Pope John XV. His travel diary records 79 stages from Rome to Canterbury and forms the basis of the Via Francigena as it is walked today.
Why did the Via Francigena decline?
In the 13th century trade grew and alternative routes developed, breaking the single corridor into multiple competing paths. By the 16th century more direct roads existed and the route lost its unified character.
When was the Via Francigena revived?
The route was designated a European Cultural Route by the Council of Europe in 1994. In 2007 a 0km milestone was placed at Canterbury Cathedral marking the official start of the route.
How does the Via Francigena compare to the Camino de Santiago?
Both developed during the same period of medieval pilgrimage culture. The Camino de Santiago was designated a European Cultural Route in 1987, seven years before the Via Francigena in 1994. The Camino today attracts several hundred thousand pilgrims annually compared to around 2,000 to 3,000 on the Italian sections of the Via Francigena.
How do I walk the Via Francigena today?
See our Via Francigena stages guide for how the route is structured, our best starting points guide to choose where to begin, and our best time to walk guide for when to go.
