EAVF is meeting in Pavia (Lombardy Region, Italy) next 20 October for the General Assembly that brings together members and associations working along the European route. There are now 235 member municipalities and 80 Friend Associations present in the EAVF along the four countries of the Via Francigena: England, France, Switzerland and Italy. 

Pavia, already recognized as a Crossroads of Europe in 2012, is a symbolic place of the Via Francigena. The characteristic stretch of the Via in Pavia’s territory is 126.7 km long and involves many other municipalities: Palestro, Robbio, Nicorvo, Mortara, Tromello, Garlasco, Gropello Cairoli, Carbonara al Ticino, San Martino Siccomario, Valle Salimbene, Linarolo, Belgioioso, Corteolona, Santa Cristina e Bissone, Chignolo Po. 

In recent years, the number of travellers on the Via Francigena has been growing, as has the number of local authorities joining the EAVF. This demonstrates the importance and authority of this international network, which was founded in 2001 and has been recognised as a ‘réseau porteur’ by the Council of Europe since 2007.  

The general meeting at the Aula Magna of the Ghislieri College is scheduled for Friday 20 October from 2 to 6 p.m. 

On this occasion, some significant points for EAVF and the future of the Via Francigena will be discussed. We will discuss the periodic evaluation (cycle 2023-24) of the Council of Europe for the confirmation of the certification of the Via Francigena as “Cultural Route of the Council of Europe” and of EAVF as réseau porteur of the Via Francigena. The members will have the opportunity to discuss the planning of activities on the occasion of the celebration of the 30th anniversary (1994-2024) of the certification of the Via Francigena as a European Cultural Route. It will be an important occasion to reflect on the past, present and future of the Via Francigena. Strategic points for EAVF will also be discussed on the agenda, such as the renewal of the management and iplementation of the web portal and app, the stipulation of new cooperation agreements with public and private partners, and finally the increase of EAVF membership fees as of 2025. 

As an addition to the Assembly, a rich program of cultural entertainment events is planned over three days from 19 to 21 October:  

• on 19.10 (10.00 a.m.-5.30 p.m.), the event “Conference on walking and sustainable tourism“ at the Aula Magna of the Ghislieri College in Pavia.  
• On 20.10 morning, guided tour of the city of Pavia.  
• On 21.10, a walking event I Love Francigena, the walk along Pavia’s Via Francigena.

Click here to view the full program of the event.

To register for the General Assembly, please fill out the following form (link).

The event is organised with the contribution of the Pavia Chamber of Commerce and the Fondazione Cariplo.