The project financed by the Italian Ministry of Tourism with 332,500 euros was presented in Lecce, Apulia.

The Salentine municipality of Poggiardo is leading the project for an accessible and inclusive Via Francigena in Southern Italy, funded by the Italian Ministry of Tourism as part of the public notice for the development of the tourist offer of Italian religious paths.

The network of beneficiary municipalities of the project also includes the administrations of Cannole, Giuggianello, Giurdignano, Martano, Palmaraggi, and Tricase in the Lecce area.

The interventions are divided into various project areas along the stretch from Lecce to Santa Maria di Leuca: accessibility of the route (mapping of trails, requalification of the path, first aid kits); information (cartography, census, web platform, videos, QR codes, audio guides, signage); education and communication (workshops, forums, animation).

The two-year project includes interventions not only for people with motor, sensory, or cognitive disabilities, but also for those with autism spectrum disorders, the elderly, and people with particular dietary needs. An important objective is also to raise awareness among local communities and younger generations about these issues, which increasingly need to become part of our cultural background.

The press conference took place last June 6th at the headquarters of the Province of Lecce, in parallel with the Training Academy of Brindisi on Cultural Routes. Participants included provincial councillor and mayor of Martano Fabio Tatantino, mayor of Poggiardo Antonio Ciriolo, director of the European Association of the Via Francigena ways Luca Bruschi, representatives of the “Mollare Mai” (Never Give Up!) association Adriano Bolognese and Salvatore Micolani.