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 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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St Jean Pied de Port is one of the most significant towns on the Camino de Santiago. It is not only the finishing point for the Le Chemin du Puy, Vezelay, and Paris-Tours Camino but also marks the start of the famous Camino Frances. History of St Jean Pied de Port Founded in the 12th century,
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Pilgrim’s Mass in The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela Many pilgrims who finish their Camino in Santiago de Compostela often want to attend a particular pilgrim’s mass in the cathedral. It’s the ultimate reward after the long journey to the city. If you are hoping to attend mass when you are in Santiago, there are
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Weather on the Camino de Santiago The weather on the Camino de Santiago varies greatly depending on the season and the region you choose to travel through. Here’s what you need to know to prepare for your journey. Summer weather on the Camino Some parts of Spain can reach very high temperatures in summer. The
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Tips for Cycling the Camino – Part 1 While most Camino de Santiago pilgrims follow the Camino routes to Santiago on foot, over 10% of pilgrims arriving in Santiago each year do so by bike. They are called ‘bicigrinos’ (bike pilgrims). If you are preparing to be a bicigrino in 2024, Peter Duffy has prepared
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What is the Finisterrana? Many of you will be familiar with the ‘Compostela’, the pilgrim certificate you can obtain from the Pilgrims Office in Santiago de Compostela if you have walked a minimum of 100 of the Camino de Santiago to the city or cycled at least the last 200. But did you know that
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Embarking on the Camino de Santiago is more than just a trek; it’s an exploration of culture, history, and oneself. Whether walking the Camino or cycling the Camino, the journey offers a chance to disconnect from everyday life and connect with a centuries-old tradition. The path is filled with beauty but also demanding, requiring physical
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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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Why We Love Ferrol Why we love Ferrol on the Camino Ingles! We talk to Ferrol’s native, Andrea, about what makes her home one of the most special Camino de Santiago towns. Andrea was born in Ferrol on the Camino Ingles but moved to the south of Spain a few years later. Her time in
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The Camino is full of interesting facts and phrases, and it’s always a delight to learn of another one. You might have heard or seen the word ‘Ultreia’ mentioned when researching, reading, or while walking the Camino de Santiago. The word “Ultreia” is derived from the Latin word “ultra,” which means “beyond” or “farther.” In
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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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The scallop shell is one of the most iconic symbols of the Camino de Santiago. Today, it is used, along with the yellow arrow, to guide pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela along its many different Camino routes. Painted on trees, sidewalks, tiles, etc… the scallop shell (or ‘Vieira’ in Galician and Spanish) will help
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Joe and Judi’s Camino Adventure Joe and Judi from California walked the Camino de Santiago with CaminoWays.com earlier this year. We share Joe and Judi’s Camino adventure as written by the couple on their Camino blog. If you bumped into Joe and Judi along the way, you might have noticed they wore very special t-shirts:
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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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The days at the desk are long, and daydreaming about the next getaway gets you through the most brutal Monday. We’ve all been there. Suppose you are sharing that feeling and, in addition, are showing the following symptoms. In that case, we can accurately diagnose you with acute Camino de Santiago withdrawal syndrome or Caminoitis.
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