Author: Luca Bruschi

EAVF President Francesco Ferrari met with the European President of the Via Romea Germanica, Thomas Dahms, in Fidenza at the EAVF headquarters. The meeting aimed to reaffirm the strong commitment to cooperation between the two routes, both certified by the Council of Europe.

The two associations are already engaged in a collaboration protocol focused on the development of the “Romee” (ways to Rome) routes and the regions they traverse, with an emphasis on international cooperation. The year 2025, which marks the Jubilee, will be an opportunity to promote joint actions among the three main Romee routes: Francigena, Germanica, and Strata.

The Via Romea Germanica covers nearly 2,200 kilometres from Stade to Rome, crossing three countries in 94 stages: 44 in Germany, 4 in Austria, and 46 in Italy. It merges with the Via Francigena in the city of Montefiascone (Lazio).

The Romea Strata stretches for over 4,000 kilometres across seven European countries: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, and Italy. It merges with the Via Francigena in the city of Fucecchio (Tuscany).

On 22nd July, a group of 130 pilgrims and four priests from the Spanish city of Valencia made a stop in San Severo, Puglia, as they walked a section of the Via Francigena in Southern Italy, which connects Lucera to San Severo. The Spanish pilgrims began their journey in Pietrelcina, the birthplace of Padre Pio, and set off the following day towards Monte Sant’Angelo.

They were warmly welcomed in San Severo by the OdV Vie Francigene San Severo ETS Cultural Committee, an organisation active since 2021, based on voluntary work, dedicated to the development of the Via Francigena and other pilgrimage routes. The local council also played a very active role in welcoming this large group of university students on their faith journey, who spread smiles, songs, and good cheer throughout the community.

For San Severo and the surrounding area, this event was a significant opportunity to draw attention to the upcoming Jubilee of 2025, which will undoubtedly bring many pilgrims from around the world to the city, en route to San Giovanni Rotondo and Monte Sant’Angelo.

Once again, attention will be focused on the Via Francigena in this area on 16th, 17th, and 18th October, with the AEVF General Assembly taking place in Monte Sant’Angelo, where delegations from England, France, Switzerland, and Italy are expected to participate.

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.

You may also be interested in the following articles:

• A study on accessibility along the Via Francigena: the “Via Francigena for All” project with AllTrails
• Accessible Tourism along the Via Francigena at the centre of attention at BIT Milano Trade Fair
• “Via Francigena for All” awaits you at “Fa’ la cosa giusta!” 2024

The Via Francigena has been confirmed as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe.

The Executive Secretary of the Governing Board of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, Stefano Dominioni, recently sent the official communication to the EAVF.

This news confirms the significant work that the European network of the Via Francigena is doing at the international level for the promotion, enhancement, and protection of the European route. 2024 is a special year as the Via Francigena celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of its certification by the Council of Europe, which took place in 1994.

The Via Francigena is thus reaffirmed as a “Cultural Route of the Council of Europe” following the four-yearly evaluation of compliance with the criteria of Resolution CM/res (2013)67. It also confirms the accreditation of the European Association of the Via Francigena ways (EAVF) as the managing body of the Via Francigena, highlighting the uniqueness and exclusivity of the European network, which today involves 243 local member entities in four countries and 92 volunteer associations that animate the route on a local or regional scale.

“The result achieved underscores the great seriousness with which the Via Francigena network is working in the four countries it crosses – the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Italy. The confirmation of the certification also gives an important boost to the institutional and technical process for advancing the UNESCO dossier, led by the Tuscany Region”, said Vice President Francesco Ferrari.

The “Evaluation Report” was drafted by Professor Maria Gravari Barbas of the Pantheon-Sorbonne University in Paris and makes recommendations that AEVF will seek to address as best as possible.

Both the dossier prepared by EAVF and the evaluation report of the Council of Europe are available to EAVF members and friends.

A delegation from the EAVF and the Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome worked on the verification of the “Francigena Britannica” route and held institutional meetings in London, looking towards the certification of the extension of the Via Francigena.

LONDON AND ROME CONNECTED: THE FRANCIGENA BRITANNICA PROJECT

London and Rome are drawing closer, thanks to the Via Francigena. More precisely, the credit for this natural connection goes to the ancient Via Britannica, which links the English capital with the city of Canterbury, the zero kilometre of the itinerary certified in 1994 by the Council of Europe.

And it was precisely in London on 5 May 1949 that the Council of Europe – the first international organisation to emerge in Europe after the Second World War – was founded. the London Treaty was actually signed by 10 founding countries: Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. The Via Britannica and the Via Francigena, therefore, strengthen the bridge of connection between the United Kingdom and Europe through peace, intercultural dialogue, exchange, and cooperation, but also through the recovery of historical paths and slow tourism.

THE CONFRATERNITY OF PILGRIMS TO ROME PROJECT

The Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome (an association of volunteers founded in 2006 and affiliated with EAVF) which brings together the world of Anglophone walkers, has been carrying forward the project for the recognition of the Francigena Britannica for some years now: a 145 km route to be covered in six stages on foot that starts from Southwark Cathedral in London and rejoins the Via Francigena in Canterbury. The project, which has been under study and development since 2021, has already been submitted to the European Association of Via Francigena. A well-structured dossier from a historical, scientific, and pedestrian route point of view, with reference also to the usability of the route and the cultural heritage present along the municipalities crossed.

The itinerary intersects seven paths that are already well signposted: Thames Path, Green Chain Walk, Darent Valley Walk, Pilgrims Way, North Downs Way, Medway River Walk, and Stour Valley Way.

INSTITUTIONAL MEETINGS IN LONDON AND FIELD INSPECTION OF THE ROUTE

From 9 to 13 June, a technical inspection of the route took place, attended by Luca Faravelli, EAVF project manager and Giancarlo Laurenzi, honorary president of the CPR. This field inspection was accompanied by important institutional meetings, in which EAVF director Luca Bruschi also spoke. The meetings were held with Caroline Hicks, Head of Economic Development at Dartford Borough Council and Will Norman, London’s first Commissioner for walking, cycling and slow mobility routes. The city of London has for many years placed the theme of slow mobility, particularly pedestrian and cycling, at the heart of its urban development policies. The Francigena Britannica represents an extraordinary pedestrian link from London to Canterbury, and then continues on the Via Francigena to Dover and enters the mainland at Calais. The global public of pilgrims who reach London by air will thus be able to set off directly from London, walking along the Thames and following the path of the Via Britannica.

The AEVF delegation also met CPR President Nick Dunne and Vice President Brian Mooney in London. Institutional visits continued in the city of Canterbury, EAVF partner municipality since 2005, which is strongly supporting the development of the Via Francigena.

NEXT APPOINTMENT IN MONTE SANT’ANGELO, PUGLIA, WITH THE AEVF ASSEMBLY

The outcome of this inspection of the route will be presented by the CPR at the next AEVF Assembly on 18 October 2024 in Monte Sant’Angelo (Foggia, Puglia). Ample space will be dedicated to the presentation of the project that will see EAVF members as protagonists for the approval of this cultural extension of the path, whose European route nevertheless always provides for Canterbury as the zero kilometre city.

It will be an important moment to write a new and beautiful page in the history of the Via Francigena, together with all the members and friends of the European Association of the Via Francigena ways.

THE FRANCIGENA BRITANNICA AND ITS STAGES, IN SHORT

The historic pilgrimage route that runs from Southwark Cathedral in London to Canterbury is called the Via Britannica. This is the route described by Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century Canterbury Tales. This itinerary therefore represents an important pilgrimage route in its own right, but also a logical extension of the Via Francigena in the United Kingdom.

The stages:

• Londra (cattedrale di Southwark) – Abbey Wood – 17 km
• Abbey Wood – Dartford – 21 km
• Dartford – Otford – 20 km
• Oxford- Peter’s Bridge – 24 km
• Hollingbourne – Broughton Lees – 21 km
• Broghton Lees – Canterbury – 24 km

The Via Francigena splendidly celebrated the anniversary of its European certification (1994-2024) in the international context of the Training Academy 2024, marked by dialogue and cooperation.

The city of Brindisi and the Apulia region became the capital of European cultural routes: from June 4 to 7, at the “Accademia degli Erranti – Statio Peregrinorum” headquarters, a training event was held involving 100 representatives from 37 routes, coming from 22 countries. The forum was part of the celebrations of the Via Francigena, which celebrates its 30th anniversary of European certification in 2024.

The European Association of the Via Francigena ways (EAVF) had the honor of organizing this event, together with the European Institute of Cultural Routes, which supported the realisation of this international showcase in a symbolic place of the Via Francigena in Southern Italy, namely the city of Brindisi.

At the inauguration ceremony, moderated by Rosy Barretta of the “Brindisi e le Antiche Strade” Association, speakers included Mayor Giuseppe Marchionna, the director of the tourism department and EAVF vice president Aldo Patruno, the president of the Italian National Tourism Agency Alessandra Priante, Maria Giusi Luprano from the Italian Ministry of Culture, and finally Stefano Dominioni, director of the European Institute of Cultural Routes in Luxembourg and executive secretary of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe.

The Academy featured six working sessions focused on themes of governance, tourism, mobility, cooperation, and international project planning. These sessions saw great participation and interaction among the contributors.

For the Via Francigena, speakers included Luca Bruschi, EAVF director; Elena Dubinina, EAVF European projects manager; Angelofabio Attolico from the Apulia region and EAVF technical manager for the development of the Via Francigena in Southern Italy; Anna Introna and Basel Sai, also from the Apulia region. A specific session was dedicated to slow tourism projects along the Via Francigena with EAVF partners. Tullia Caballero from SloWays brilliantly moderated the panel, where important best practices were shared by showcasing Flixbus for mobility (Marco Zucchetti), Ferrino for technical equipment (Giorgio Rabaiolo), and CAMCO for technical clothing (Matteo Corrado). Valerio Barchi also spoke, sharing his experience as a traveler on the Italian section of the Via Francigena and the creation of “Bona Via!”, the first comic book dedicated to the journey.

During the Academy, there was a strategic meeting between EAVF and the European Federation of Saint James Way, represented by the Spanish President Ildefonso de la Campa, to lay the groundwork for strategic projects in view of the 2025 Jubilee.

During the four days, the cultural programme that was organised to accompany the event also played an important role. The international delegation was able to get to know the city’s museum, cultural, and archaeological heritage, as well as walk a short stretch of the Via Francigena. Local gastronomy was also at the centre of the event, with tastings, street food, and the discovery of local companies and producers, as well as musical shows and artistic performances.

In addition to EAVF’s organisation, the event was supported by the Apulia Region and the Municipality of Brindisi, with the cooperation of the “Brindisi e le Antiche Strade” Association, coordinated by Antonio Melcore. On-site coordination was handled by Catherine Hannequart.

The European Association of the Via Francigena ways (EAVF) has launched the third edition of the “Via Francigena International Award”, with the aim of highlighting the good practices implemented by its Members and Friends for the development and promotion of the itinerary.

EAVF Members and Friends are invited to submit their applications, one for each theme, briefly describing an activity related to the Via Francigena that has been carried out in in their reference region between 01.01.2023 and 31.12.2023. The application form lists 5 different themes: a maximum of 5 forms can be submitted, which means 1 activity per theme. Deadline for applications is Friday 30.06.2024.

➡️ Click here to apply for Via Francigena International Awards 2024 ⬅️

Good practices will be collected and made available to all Members and Friends within a dedicated section on the website www.viefrancigene.org/en/.

The three best good practices, selected by an international evaluation group nominated by the EAVF President, will be awarded at the next General Assembly, scheduled in Monte Sant’Angelo, Puglia, on Friday 18 October 2024.

Our sincere appreciation to all those who will participate!

👉 Discover the 2023 edition

From April 25th to 27th, the European Association of the Via Francigena ways held its annual General Assembly in Vevey, Switzerland, with the presence of numerous members from the four countries crossed by the Via Francigena: the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, and Italy. This highly attended international meeting took place within the prestigious salle del Castillo, overlooking Lake Geneva.

Following the official greetings from Mayor Yvan Luccarini and Vincent Bailly, representative of Lavaux Patrimoine Mondial, the assembly commenced with the presentation of a diploma by EAVF Vice President Francesco Ferrari to the municipal administration of Vevey for joining the association.

In plenary session, numerous important agenda items were discussed, starting with the approval of the budget forecasts and the financial statements. Also highlighted was the quadrennial evaluation by the Council of Europe for the confirmation of the European certification of the Via Francigena, which, in 2024, marks its 30th anniversary of this recognition. A new section of the website www.viefrancigene.org is dedicated to these thirty years of history, featuring a timeline of the most significant events during this period and a collection of written thoughts and reflections. The page is also enriched with material that, work in progress, narrates the Via Francigena in a social media version. Lastly, the Vevey Declaration is included, affirming the AEVF Assembly’s commitment to continue the promotion, dialogue, and cooperation on the Via Francigena.

During the assembly, strategic projects concerning the Via Francigena in the national sections were shared: particular attention was given to the progress of the approval process for the Via Britannica, a historic itinerary from London to Canterbury within the AEVF network. Additionally, developments of the emerging Itinerary Committee, which will be officially launched on June 18, 2024, in Troyes, France, for better governance of the French stretch, connecting the eight departments and three regions involved.

An important moment of the GA was dedicated to welcoming new members joining the international network. Besides the Swiss municipality of Vevey (Vaud), the French municipality of Braux-le-Châtel (Haute Marne, Grand Est), and the Italian municipalities of San Rocco al Porto (Lodi, Lombardy) and Formia (Latina, Lazio) were welcomed. The total number of members now stands at 243, including municipalities, provinces, and regions. Two new “friendly” associations were also welcomed: Pro Loco Oriese APS (Orio Litta, Lombardy) and Accoglienza Pellegrina (Valpromaro, Tuscany), bringing the total to 92 members.

In addition to the assembly, participants had the opportunity to engage in various activities offering a comprehensive immersion into the cultural heritage of the Via Francigena, with a focus on the city of Vevey and this splendid Swiss stretch of the route.

The three-day program kicked off with the theatrical performance “Legend of Sigerico”, staged by the beloved company (Italian-French) directed by Carlo Boso. Spectators were transported back in time through the adventures of Sigerico, Bishop of Canterbury, in a captivating narrative crafted in the style of commedia dell’arte. Knowledge of the territory was also imparted through gastronomy, with a tasting of local wines and fondue, in a convivial and welcoming atmosphere. The tourist part included two significant moments: a guided tour of the city, in three languages, allowing participants to discover Vevey’s hidden treasures, from its charming architecture to its picturesque streets, offering a comprehensive overview of the city’s life and history. Particularly appreciated was the walk through the villages and vineyards along the beautiful stretch of the Via Francigena between Lausanne and Vevey. The cultural landscape characterizing this route is one of the most iconic and breathtaking points of the entire European journey: here lie the famous vineyards recognized by UNESCO for their perfect integration between the ecosystem and an authentic and dynamic civilization.

Among the cultural events, two were highlighted: the Conference on Cultural Itineraries in Switzerland, during which experts shared knowledge about the cultural itineraries traversing Switzerland, exploring their cultural, social, touristic, and economic implications; and the exhibition featuring panels on the Via Francigena, at the Market Square. Participants had the honor of attending the opening of the exhibition illustrating the history and heritage of the Via Francigena through a rich selection of photos with 16 informative panels aimed at the general public. This exhibition fits well within the celebrations of the thirty years of the Via Francigena, a European cultural itinerary.

The three-day event was organized with the support of the Vevey municipal administration and the Association Via Francigena Suisse.

Members will reconvene in Monte Sant’Angelo, Puglia, for the next AEVF autumn assembly.

From 4 to 7 June, more than 80 representatives from 21 countries and 37 certified Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe will participate in the European Cultural Routes Training Academy in Brindisi.

The Region of Apulia and the City of Brindisi as Capital of the European Cultural Routes

The 11th edition of the Training Academy on the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe will take place in Brindisi, at the Accademia degli Erranti – Statio Peregrinorum, from 4 to 7 June 2024, organised by the European Institute of Cultural Routes (EICR) and the European Association of the Vie Francigena ways (EAVF), the supporting network of the Via Francigena, with the support of the Region of Apulia, the Municipality of Brindisi, and in collaboration with the Association ‘Brindisi e le Antiche Strade’.

This event is organised as part of the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the Via Francignea, Cultural Route of the Council of Europe 1994-2024. The theme of the Training Academy 2024 will be “European cooperation and sustainable development”, with an important focus on the best practices of the Via Francigena presenting good practices along the route.

The aim of the Training Academy in Brindisi is to provide operators of the Cultural Routes with training on specific topical issues in the field of cultural heritage management and tourism promotion.

The Cultural Routes Training Academy offers practical approaches through the participation of academic or professional experts with whom Cultural Route operators can exchange views. The four days of training and exchanges aim at enhancing cooperation between the operators and managers of the Routes.

Participation is limited to representatives of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe.

More than 80 representatives from as many as 37 certified Cultural Routes and 21 countries participate in this international event.

Discover the programme:
https://rm.coe.int/2024-training-academy-draft-programme-21march/1680af084c

Contacts: training.academy@viefrancigene.org