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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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 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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Our favourite food experiences in Tuscany In 2015, three members of the CaminoWays.com team embarked on a cycling journey from Lucca to Siena along one of the most popular routes of the Via Francigena. Claire, Caroline, and I started our adventure in the medieval city of Lucca and finished in Rome, Italy’s capital. Over three
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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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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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How to choose between the Camino de Santiago vs Via Francigena? In this piece, we delve into the fascinating world of Europe’s most renowned heritage trails: the Camino de Santiago and the Via Francigena. Both paths are steeped in history and offer unique journeys for travellers seeking spiritual, cultural, or physical challenges. But how do
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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
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The Via Francigena in Tuscany: A Walk for the senses Every day of our lives, we are exposed to external stimulation. We wake up to the sound of an alarm clock, a ringtone or the song chosen by some radio DJ to tease our last minutes of sleep and see the hustle and bustle of
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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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Cannolo Recipe with Chestnut Flour, Ricotta Cheese & Truffle Truffles are one of the delights of Tuscany, and we’re always looking for more ways to enjoy this delicious treat. Massimo from the Tuscany Truffle Academy has shared this Cannolo recipe with Chestnut Flour, Ricotta Cheese & Truffle. Massimo has mastered the art of truffle hunting
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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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Aoife’s Diary: The Via Francigena on foot “You won’t know yourself once you start driving”,“Cycling will save you so much time.” These are the words of persuasion that I hear on a daily basis. Urging me to ditch my favoured mode of transport. They are words motivated by the capitalisation of time and centred on moving quicker.
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5 spectacular places on the Via Francigena in Tuscany The Via Francigena or Camino to Rome takes pilgrims across some of Europe’s most stunning regions, including Tuscany in Italy. The Via Francigena crosses Tuscany, taking walkers from the Passo della Cissa mountain pass in the Apennines to the Val d’Orcia. Here are the 5 spectacular places on the
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Food on the Via Francigena: 4 things to know Many of you have asked about the specifics of food on the Via Francigena. In today’s blog we’re going to cover food in Italy, including meal times, courses, etiquette, and what to expect, in general when dining on the Italian regions of the Via Francigena. Italy is
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