10 things to know about the Via Francigena

The Via Francigena originated in the Middle Ages as a pilgrimage route leading to Rome. The earliest description comes from Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury, on his return journey from Rome in 990 AD. Today, this itinerary is recognized as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, continuing to be a bridge between peoples, cultures and spirituality.

Whether you are a trained hiker or a Sunday stroller, you will find stretches on the Via Francigena that suit your pace. The rolling hills of the Val d’Orcia invite contemplation, while the hills of Lunigiana call forth the determined step of wayfarers in search of wilderness. It is a path that suits those seeking a challenge as well as walkers who just want to take it slow and find harmony.

Each stop is also an opportunity to discover the gastronomic culture of the area.
By trying Ribollita, handmade Pici pasta, aged Pecorino cheese and noble wines such as Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino, walking also becomes a journey in taste.
And often, it is at the table that the best memories are made.

The Via Francigena is above all a human journey. Meet pilgrims from all over the world, generous hospitality workers and villagers always ready to offer a smile, a story, a bottle of water ... Encounters along the way are often brief but can leave an indelible mark.

Along the Via Francigena, Tuscany offers some of the most iconic landscapes in the world, with the towers of San Gimignano, the cypress trees that define the countryside, the golden fields at sunset ...
Each bend in the trail gives a different view, each season a different landscape. To walk here is to be captured in a living picture.

Even if you are not a pilgrim in the traditional sense, the walk offers moments of introspection and recollection. Silent chapels, Romanesque parish churches and ancient shrines dot the road, offering places to stop, breathe and be present. A path that also speaks to the soul.

Choosing the Via Francigena means embracing a slow, respectful and mindful way of traveling. Walking reduces the impact on the environment and allows people to really get to know the places they pass through, having pleasant encounters with the locals. It is a gesture of respect for nature and local communities.

Siena, Lucca and even small, lesser-known villages like Monteroni d’Arbia, Pontremoli or San Quirico d’Orcia ... the Via Francigena is a concentration of art, history and traditions.
The route passes through many UNESCO sites, including the Val d’Orcia and the historic center of Siena, recognized worldwide for their exceptional beauty and cultural value.
Each location encapsulates a unique heritage of churches, castles, medieval fountains and stories passed down through the centuries. A true open-air museum, revealed step by step.

Pilgrims can request an official Credential—the “pilgrim’s passport”—to be stamped at each stage.
At the end of the journey, pilgrims will receive a certificate certifying they have completed the route.
A small symbolic gesture that encapsulates an intense and personal experience, much like that of the Camino de Santiago.

Along the way, simple, authentic hospitality can be found, designed specifically for backpackers: hostels, B&Bs, religious accommodations and lodgings in exchange for donations. The Via Francigena is also an area able to welcome all, with accessible facilities and human warmth that is often worth more than a thousand stars.