My name is Fabio (Zecco to my friends), I am 56 years old, a banker from Marzabotto (BO). A widower since 2000, I have raised two children who are now 25 and 28 years old. My passion for walking stems from my love of nature, activities in company, the spirit of sharing, and a touch of spirituality that I have always felt, although not often cultivated.

I discovered the Via Francigena thanks to the stories of fellow hikers, and over the years I have walked various stages with the goal of reaching Rome. Then on the way we learned about the Jubilee, and decided to arrive at our destination in 2025, its year, a great way to celebrate it: getting there on foot with friends.

There are many ways to live and experience the Francigena. Our journey began long ago: when Zecco and Martin, at different times and in different ways, fell ill, and just like that time in Nepal, they faced the challenge together, each with his own burden, his own family, his own life, and his own resources. Old friends united by an unusual fate, both healed with the support of the group (“regaz” as we say in Bologna), we decided to set off for Rome in 2016 like the ancient pilgrims.

Each year, a stretch: some for 3 days, others for 5, starting from San Miniato to San Gimignano to greet Giannero, who had moved from Bologna to that Tuscan village, and then onwards, as long as our legs would carry us. Each year on the road with backpacks, sometimes in a group of 3, sometimes 8, depending on everyone’s availability, now with an additional angel accompanying us, flying.

This journey has united us as a group; it has allowed us to talk about ourselves as we never have before, to understand each other better in ways that the rush of daily life often doesn’t permit. The adventurous spirit and curiosity to discover new territories and people have always accompanied us in our travels, and our awareness has strengthened: to reach Rome and to celebrate our friendship.

Thank you, Francigena, and goodbye Martino!