Imagine walking in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims, traversing ancient paths that have witnessed over 1,000 years of history. The Via Francigena isn’t just another hiking trail—it’s a living museum that stretches across Europe, connecting Canterbury in England to the eternal city of Rome. This historic pilgrimage route predates the more famous Camino de Santiago and offers modern travelers a unique blend of cultural immersion, spiritual reflection, and outdoor adventure.
Originally documented around 990 AD when Archbishop Sigeric the Serious traveled from Canterbury to Rome to receive his pallium (ceremonial vestment) from the Pope, the Via Francigena quickly became one of medieval Europe’s most important pilgrimage routes. Unlike many historic pathways that have faded into obscurity, this ancient road has experienced a remarkable revival in recent decades.
Today’s Via Francigena follows Sigeric’s original journey as closely as possible, though modern roads and development have necessitated some deviations. The complete route spans approximately 1,900 kilometers (about 1,200 miles) across four countries—England, France, Switzerland, and Italy—offering a diversity of landscapes that few other trails can match. From the rolling hills of Kent to the challenging Alpine passes of Switzerland and the sun-drenched Tuscan countryside, each section reveals a different face of European beauty.
What makes this journey particularly special is its accessibility to all types of travelers. You don’t need to be a religious pilgrim or an ultra-fit hiker to experience the Via Francigena. The route welcomes everyone—history buffs, food lovers, photography enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and adventure travelers alike. Unlike many thru-hikes that demand months of commitment, the Via Francigena can be experienced in smaller sections, making it perfect for those with limited vacation time or varying levels of physical ability.
As you travel along this ancient path, you’ll discover countless hidden gems that rarely make it into mainstream travel guides. You’ll sleep in medieval monasteries, sample regional delicacies that have been perfected over centuries, and encounter local traditions that have remained largely unchanged since Sigeric’s time. Every day brings new opportunities to connect with both the rich tapestry of European history and the vibrant communities that keep these traditions alive.
While the physical journey is undoubtedly spectacular, many travelers find that the Via Francigena offers something even more valuable—a chance to slow down and rediscover the lost art of mindful travel in our fast-paced world. Walking at human speed through landscapes shaped by millennia of human history creates a profound connection that no high-speed train or rental car can provide. The route invites you to become a part of its ongoing story, adding your footprints to the millions that have come before.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, spiritual reflection, cultural immersion, or simply a different kind of European vacation, the Via Francigena offers a journey that will transform how you experience travel. Let’s explore what makes this ancient pilgrimage route one of Europe’s most compelling destinations for modern travelers.
Description of the Route
The Via Francigena spans approximately 1,900 kilometers from Canterbury Cathedral in England to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Unlike the more standardized Camino de Santiago, the Via Francigena follows a less rigid path, with several variants and alternative routes developed over the centuries. The journey traditionally divides into four national sections:
England: The route begins at Canterbury Cathedral and covers about 23 kilometers before reaching the port of Dover. This brief section traverses the picturesque Kent countryside with its characteristic rolling hills and quaint villages.
France: After crossing the English Channel, the path continues through the French regions of Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Champagne-Ardenne, and Franche-Comté, covering roughly 720 kilometers. Highlights include the historic cities of Reims and Besançon, fields of sunflowers and wheat, and the renowned vineyards of Champagne.
Switzerland: The Swiss section spans approximately 200 kilometers, leading pilgrims through the challenging but breathtaking Alpine passes, including the Great St. Bernard Pass at 2,469 meters above sea level. This mountainous stretch offers some of the most dramatic landscapes of the entire route.
Italy: The longest national section at approximately 1,000 kilometers takes travelers through the regions of Valle d’Aosta, Piedmont, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Liguria, Tuscany, and finally Lazio. This portion features diverse landscapes from the Po Valley to the iconic hills of Tuscany before reaching Rome.
What makes the Via Francigena unique is its diversity of terrain. In a single day, you might walk through vineyards, forests, farmland, and medieval towns, each offering its own cultural and natural attractions. The path follows a mix of ancient Roman roads, rural tracks, and modern walking trails, occasionally sharing space with local roads when necessary.
Fun Facts
- The name “Via Francigena” means “the road that comes from France” in Italian, though ironically, most of the route isn’t in France.
- Archbishop Sigeric, whose journey documented the original route, meticulously recorded 79 stopping places or “submansiones” along his return journey from Rome to Canterbury. Many of these same towns still welcome pilgrims today.
- The Via Francigena was declared a “Cultural Route of the Council of Europe” in 1994, elevating its status as a significant historical pathway.
- Unlike the Camino de Santiago’s distinctive scallop shell symbol, the Via Francigena is marked by a stylized pilgrim figure carrying a staff and wearing a broad hat.
- The route passes through some of Europe’s most famous wine regions, including Champagne, Burgundy, and Tuscany, making it a favorite among culinary pilgrims.
- At its peak during the Middle Ages, an estimated 15,000-20,000 pilgrims traveled the route annually.
- The Via Francigena intersects with numerous other historic pilgrimage routes, creating a vast network of cultural pathways across Europe.
- The credential or “pilgrim passport” for the Via Francigena—called the “Testimonium”—dates back to medieval times when it served as proof of pilgrimage completion.
Reasons to Go
Historical Immersion: Few travel experiences offer such direct contact with European history. Walking the actual paths used by medieval pilgrims, Roman legions, and countless merchants throughout the centuries provides a tangible connection to the past.
Cultural Diversity: Crossing four countries means experiencing distinct cultural traditions, architectural styles, languages, and cuisines within a single journey.
Gastronomic Adventure: The route passes through some of Europe’s most celebrated food and wine regions. From English cheeses and French wines to Swiss chocolates and Italian pastas, your taste buds will be as well-traveled as your feet.
Personal Challenge: Whether tackling the entire route or just a section, completing parts of the Via Francigena offers a sense of achievement and personal growth that typical vacations rarely provide.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Discovery: While the route includes famous cities and landmarks, it also leads through countless small villages and rural areas rarely visited by mass tourism.
Sustainable Travel: As a predominantly walking route, the Via Francigena represents one of the most environmentally friendly ways to explore Europe, with minimal carbon footprint and maximum community benefit.
Spiritual Journey: For those seeking a spiritual dimension to their travels, the Via Francigena offers abundant opportunities for reflection, meditation, and connection with centuries of religious tradition.
Photography Paradise: The diverse landscapes, medieval architecture, and authentic cultural experiences provide endless opportunities for photography enthusiasts.
Main Attractions
- Canterbury Cathedral (England): The starting point of the pilgrimage, featuring magnificent Gothic architecture and the site of Thomas Becket’s martyrdom.
- Reims Cathedral (France): One of Europe’s most important Gothic cathedrals where French kings were traditionally crowned.
- Champagne Region (France): World-famous vineyards producing the eponymous sparkling wine.
- Great St. Bernard Pass (Switzerland): The highest point of the journey with breathtaking Alpine views and the historic hospice founded in 1049.
- Lake Geneva (Switzerland): One of Europe’s largest lakes with stunning mountain backdrops.
- Aosta Valley (Italy): Roman ruins and medieval castles nestled in a dramatic Alpine setting.
- Po River Valley (Italy): Fertile plains that have been Italy’s agricultural heartland for millennia.
- Fidenza Cathedral (Italy): Famous for its facade sculptures depicting pilgrims on their journey to Rome.
- Tuscan Landscape (Italy): The iconic rolling hills, cypress trees, and medieval villages that define one of Italy’s most beloved regions.
- Siena (Italy): Perfectly preserved medieval city known for its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and stunning cathedral.
- San Gimignano (Italy): The “Manhattan of the Middle Ages” with its distinctive medieval towers.
- Vatican City (Italy): The culmination of the pilgrimage at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Things To Do
Photographing
The Via Francigena is a photographer’s dream, offering diverse landscapes and subjects throughout the year:
- Spring: Capture wildflower-covered meadows in France and Switzerland, cherry blossoms in Italian orchards, and lush green wheat fields.
- Summer: Focus on the golden wheat fields of France, vibrant sunflower plantations, and the perfect light over Tuscan landscapes during the “golden hour.”
- Autumn: Document the changing colors in forests, grape harvests in wine regions, and morning mist rising over valleys.
- Winter: Photograph snow-covered Alpine passes, frost-covered medieval villages, and the unique atmospheric conditions that winter brings to historic sites.
Don’t miss the opportunity to photograph the contrasts between natural landscapes and human elements—ancient bridges spanning rivers, medieval walls surrounding fields, and church spires rising above village rooftops.
Events Not to Miss
Timing your journey to coincide with local events adds another dimension to the Via Francigena experience:
- Palio di Siena (July and August): The world-famous bareback horse race around Siena’s Piazza del Campo.
- Grape Harvests (September-October): Participate in vendemmia (grape harvest) festivals throughout wine regions along the route.
- Holy Week Celebrations (March-April): Experience elaborate Easter processions in Italian towns.
- Local Saint’s Days: Virtually every town along the route celebrates its patron saint with festivals, often featuring historical reenactments, traditional foods, and community gatherings.
- Via Francigena Marathon (September): A running and walking event along sections of the route in Tuscany.
- European Cultural Route Days (May): Special events highlighting the cultural heritage of the Via Francigena.
Cycling
While traditionally a walking route, the Via Francigena has become increasingly popular with cyclists who can complete the journey in significantly less time:
- The official “Via Francigena by Bike” route sometimes diverges from the walking path to avoid particularly rough terrain or dangerous road sections.
- Cycling the entire route typically takes between 2-3 weeks, compared to the 3 months often needed for walking.
- E-bikes have made the route accessible to a wider range of cyclists, particularly for the challenging Alpine sections.
- Several companies offer bicycle rental and luggage transfer services specifically for Via Francigena cyclists.
- The most cycle-friendly sections include the flat Po Valley and parts of Tuscany, while the Alpine passes present significant challenges.
Hiking Trails
The Via Francigena encompasses numerous spectacular hiking sections:
- Kent Downs (England): Gentle hills and woodland paths with views of the English Channel.
- Jura Mountains (France): Forested paths and panoramic viewpoints crossing from France into Switzerland.
- Great St. Bernard Pass (Switzerland): Challenging Alpine hiking with extraordinary views.
- Cisa Pass (Italy): A historic mountain pass between Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany known for its dramatic scenery.
- Monte Mario (Italy): The final hill before Rome, offering pilgrims their first view of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Many travelers choose to hike only certain sections based on their interests and abilities, with the Tuscan segment from San Miniato to Siena being particularly popular for its manageable terrain and beautiful landscapes.
Travel Tips and Practical Information
Credentials: Obtain an official pilgrim passport (credential) before starting your journey. This document gets stamped along the way and is required to receive the Testimonium certificate in Rome.
Best Time to Go: April-June and September-October offer the most pleasant weather conditions. July and August can be extremely hot, especially in Italy, while winter brings challenges in Alpine regions.
Accommodation: Options range from traditional pilgrim hostels (usually €10-20 per night) to monasteries, B&Bs, and hotels. Booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Daily Distances: Traditional stages average 20-25 kilometers per day, but you can adjust according to your fitness level and interests.
Luggage: Travel light if carrying your own backpack. Alternatively, luggage transfer services are available along most sections.
Navigation: The official Via Francigena app offers detailed GPS tracks. Physical maps and guidebooks are also valuable, especially in areas with poor phone reception.
Budget: Costs vary significantly by country and accommodation choices. As a rough guide, budget travelers might spend €30-50 per day, while those preferring private rooms and restaurants should plan for €70-100 daily.
Language: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning basic phrases in French and Italian will significantly enhance your experience in rural areas.
Preparation: Start with shorter walks before your trip and break in your hiking boots well in advance to avoid blisters.
Solo Travel: The route is generally considered safe for solo travelers, including women, though standard travel precautions apply.
Final Thoughts
The Via Francigena offers something increasingly rare in our hyper-connected world—a journey that connects us not only with diverse cultures and stunning landscapes but also with centuries of human history and our own inner landscapes. Unlike conventional tourism where the focus is on “seeing” destinations, the Via Francigena invites us to experience places at walking pace, engaging all our senses and allowing deeper connections to form.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this ancient pilgrimage route is its ability to transform travelers regardless of their initial motivations. Many begin the journey seeking adventure, historical insight, or simply a unique vacation, only to discover unexpected personal growth, meaningful connections with fellow travelers, and a renewed appreciation for slow travel.
As modern life continues to accelerate, pathways like the Via Francigena remind us of the richness that can be found in slowing down, in placing one foot deliberately in front of the other, and in following routes that have called to travelers for over a millennium. Whether you walk a single stage or commit to the entire journey from Canterbury to Rome, the Via Francigena offers more than just a pathway through Europe—it offers a pathway to experiencing travel as our ancestors did, with all the challenges, discoveries, and transformations that entails.
In the words often attributed to medieval pilgrims: “Ultreïa e Suseïa” (Onward and upward). The Via Francigena awaits your footsteps to add to its ongoing story.
Photo credits : St. Bernard Pass / Fidenza Cathedral
