CAMINO VIA FRANCIGENA

The Via Francigena, meaning “the road that comes from France,” is a pilgrimage that dates back to medieval times. It was first documented by Sigeric the Serious, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who recorded his walk from Rome to England in the 10th century to receive his pallium, a symbol of his office, from the sitting Pope at the time. He left behind a detailed itinerary that outlined the walk in 80 stages from Rome back to Canterbury. This became the basis for the modern Via Francigena.

The Via Francigena is one of the oldest pilgrimages in the world. Also called the Way to Rome, the Via Francigena, is the much-celebrated pilgrimage to the ‘eternal city’. The Via Francigena has been walked by kings and sovereigns, emperors, commoners and clergy alike. Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury in 994AD created a detailed manuscript recording the towns and all of the holy sites he visited on his way to Rome.  The pilgrimage was in the past, long before the present day combined Europe, a vital artery for cross-cultural and religious exchange, traversing through what are now England, France, Switzerland, and Italy. This historic path, which covers approximately 2,000 km or 1,243 miles, is a walk with rich history and spirituality and provides a platform for an unforgettable experience for those who take up the challenge to walk it.

This is a summary of the 80 sections. The Via Francigena can be divided into four main sections, each offering its own unique landscapes and experiences.

1. Canterbury to the English Channel (England) The distance is 32 km or 20 miles to walk to Dover. Starting at Canterbury Cathedral, the pat takes pilgrims through the rolling English countryside to the coastal town of Dover. Here, pilgrims traditionally crossed the English Channel to Calais, France on a small boat.
2. Calais to the Swiss Border (France): This stage is approximately 750 km or 466 miles long and passes through the scenic landscapes of northern France, including the well-known Champagne region and the plains of Picardy. The main cities include Reims, famous for its cathedral, and Besançon, known for its Roman and medieval heritage.
3. The Swiss Alps (Switzerland) Distance: This section is approximately 200 km or 124 miles, known as the Swiss stage is characterized by its stunning alpine scenery and probably is the best section particularly if you like hiking in the Alps. Pilgrims traditionally crossed at the Great St. Bernard Pass, the highest point of the journey at 2,469 meters (8,100 feet), before descending into the beautiful Aosta Valley in Italy. This part of the route is both physically challenging and breathtakingly beautiful.
4. The Italian Peninsula (Italy) Distance: Approximately 1,000 km or 621 miles, this stage takes pilgrims through the diverse landscapes and regions of Italy, including Tuscany, Lazio, and Emilia-Romagna. The highlights include the medieval city of Lucca, the rolling hills of Tuscany, and on approaching Rome fantastic views of the Basilica and St Peters. The walk finishes at the same, the St. Peter’s Cathedral and Basilica in the Vatican City.

The Via Francigena is presently experiencing a revival as a pilgrimage and long-distance walking route. As a Camino, it is way less travelled than the Camino de Santiago in Spain, and its benefit over the more popular routes is that it is a quieter and more varied experience, passing through some of Europe’s most picturesque and historically significant areas.