Via Francigena

The Via Francigena on the BBC

Picture of Redazione AEVF
Redazione AEVF

 The BBC has released a TV film on the Via Francigena with eight British celebrities who walked the Martigny – Rome section last summer.

A journey which began with the discovery of two symbolic places of the route: the Abbey of Saint-Maurice (515) and the Great St Bernard Pass. The journey continued through history, culture and time, discovering the beauty of the Via Francigena in seven Italian regions until arriving at Vatican City.

The eight British celebrities, from the worlds of TV, sport, music and dance, gave up day-to-day comforts to become modern day pilgrims. Stop after stop, with their rucksacks on their shoulders, they had an authentic experience of the Francigena – a journey which highlighted the value of new meetings and the purpose of pilgrimage.

The TV series follows the BBC series last year along the Camino de Santiago. The 2019 edition was dedicated to the Via Francigena, with 3 hour-long episodes, the first two on 5th and 12th April, while the third will air on Friday 19th April.

The project was realised in collaboration with the European Association of Via Francigena Ways.

With particular thanks to the municipalities and local associations who actively collaborated with the troupe.

Click here to watch some clips.

Other articles:

A 1000 year old road lost to time 

Pilgrimage: the road to Rome 

Celebrities take on ancient pilgrim trail for the BBC