Via Francigena and the University of Siena: these two millennial realities come together to create a project dedicated to pilgrims and the local community.
“THE UNIVERSITY AT THE HEART OF THE VIA FRANCIGENA” is the name of the project launched within the University of Siena, which includes a new stamping point for pilgrims’ credentials and guided events to discover the university’s locations that intersect with the Via Francigena in Siena.
Among the objectives of the initiative is to make the Rectorate of the University of Siena an official stop for stamping the Pilgrim’s credential with a specially created logo and stamp. In this way, pilgrims can discover the treasures linked to the University of Siena, primarily the Rectorate Palace. It will be possible to stop inside the courtyard and take advantage of the break to watch a video illustrating the history and culture of the University and its locations.
The idea was conceived by Laura Carletti, Barbara Terrosi, and Francesco Chiassai from the Department of Physical, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, along with Paolo Fiorenzani, Elena Giannozzi, and Elisabetta Rubbioli from the Department of Pharmaceutical Biology and Chemistry.
“The project is about the valorization of knowledge, one of the strengths of our University, and it also aims to represent the journey undertaken by our academic community. The many cultural events organized will offer all participants an opportunity for cultural enrichment, visiting places of extraordinary beauty and value,” say L. Carletti, P. Fiorenzani, and E. Giannozzi.
The project is aimed not only at travelers but also at employees, students, especially those from outside the city, who can take advantage of the initiative to get to know the city of Siena and its territory. A nighttime walk along the city route of the Via Francigena — from Porta Romana to Porta Camollia — is scheduled for September 26, accompanied by a historical description of this part of the route, as part of the Bright 2024 project.
The initiative could become an annual event, open to the entire academic community as a moment of gathering.
“We are happy and honored that the project has been welcomed, and we hope it will be an opportunity to promote our University and our city, instilling pride in belonging to this academic community,” conclude F. Chiassai, E. Rubbioli, and B. Terrosi.
Also collaborating were colleagues: Marco Leoncini, Art Designer of the stamp image, and Andrea Machetti, Dr. Cristina Sampieri, Kinesiologist of MUOVERSI, a former University start-up, the MAM Museum (Monteriggioni Archaeological Museum), and the European Association of the Via Francigena.
The magnificent city of Siena, the provincial capital of Tuscany and an AEVF member municipality, rises on a hill nestled between the valleys of the Arbia and Elsa rivers. It is one of the most frequented and beloved places by travelers along the entire European route of the Via Francigena.
