Author: Redazione AEVF

The 58th issue of the biannual magazine “Via Francigena and the European Cultural Routes” is about to be released: a special edition that celebrates the charm of Lombardy, with a focus on the stages that cross the provinces of Lodi and Pavia along the 100 km of Sigeric’s historic itinerary. In these sections of the route, travellers can discover a lesser-known Lombardy, immersed in captivating landscapes, historic villages, and a unique cultural heritage. The Lombardy Regional Minister for Culture, Francesca Caruso, contributed with a welcoming message, emphasising the cultural and identity value of the route, inviting readers to fully experience the Via Francigena.

Among the key themes of this issue, there is the editorial by EAVF President Francesco Ferrari, elected on 30th July, reflecting on the Jubilee of 2025 and the opportunities offered by the upcoming Holy Year for the territories along the route. The magazine also includes a detailed report on the EAVF General Assembly held in Monte Sant’Angelo, which brought together members and international partners. During the event, the Francigea Britannica route was approved, establishing a new connection between London and Canterbury. A special focus is dedicated to the European projects in which EAVF collaborates, with an in-depth look at the activities in Puglia carried out under the Erasmus HIKE project. Last September, this project hosted free walks open to all between Bari and Brindisi to promote a healthy lifestyle.

The magazine – published by Guidotti Studio – also highlights the numerous activities taking place in England, France, Switzerland, and Italy, as well as the Association’s collaborations with public and private organisations, united by a shared interest in enhancing the route. These include Coop Italia, the driving force behind the “I Love Francigena – Coop Outdoor” initiative, which organises and promotes free walks along the itinerary; the third edition of the initiative involved over 600 hikers, introducing more people to the beauty and history of the route. Equally significant are partnerships with Banca Generali Private, supporting the Association in promoting a more sustainable itinerary, and numerous initiatives organised with brands such as Garmont and Ferrino Outdoor, which have supported the Association for years with their technical equipment. Noteworthy are also collaborations with the historic brands Parmesan Cheese Consortium and Prosciutto Toscano DOP Consortium.

Do not miss this issue full of content, insights, and stories celebrating the uniqueness of one of Europe’s most fascinating cultural routes. Enjoy reading and happy walking!

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The “Coop Outdoor – I Love Francigena” project, now in its third edition in 2024, has brought more than 600 walking enthusiasts to discover the historic Via Francigena. This initiative, created by Coop in collaboration with the European Association of the Via Francigena ways (EAVF), combines a love for nature with the delight of local food and wine, blending sustainable tourism with regional discovery.

“Coop Outdoor – I Love Francigena” is more than just a series of walks; it’s an invitation to explore Italy with fresh eyes, trekking along ancient paths and immersing oneself in unique cultural and natural landscapes. This edition featured 19 excursions along the Via Francigena and 3 along the Via Romea Strata, aiming to raise awareness among walkers about environmental sustainability and respect for the territory.

In addition to the classic routes through nature and trails, Coop introduced urban trekking in 2024—a brand-new way to explore cities along the route. Piacenza, Pavia, and Susa became the focal points of guided walks, giving participants the chance to delve into the historical centres, squares, and monuments of cities intersected by the Via Francigena.

With 667 participants—60% more than in 2023—the 2024 edition surpassed previous years: 415 participants in 2023 and 291 in 2022. This increasingly popular project expanded its routes to include the Via Romea Strata, another historic trail crossing the Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Veneto regions in Italy, adding even more variety and history to this year’s experiences.

As is tradition, some walks concluded with a refreshment stop at Coop stores, where participants enjoyed Coop-branded products and local specialities from the regions they traversed. It was the perfect opportunity to recharge and deepen their connection to the culture of the area by experiencing the flavours that make each region unique.

The Via Francigena belongs to everyone, but above all, it is for everyone. A route stretching over 3,000 kilometres from Canterbury to Rome and continuing to Santa Maria di Leuca, which is increasingly working on its trails to ensure they are accessible to all. 

What does the word accessible mean? The term derives from the Latin accessum, meaning the possibility of approaching or entering a place. This is why, when we think of a journey, we must consider not only the space it covers, but also who is walking through that space: those who have access to it, in other words. 

This kind of journey represents a different way of travelling, a slow path that accompanies not only the body but also the emotions of those who embark on it. It is a discovery of both the outer and inner space, which is why it is not only the traveller who must adapt to the territory, but the territory itself must also shape itself around the traveller. 

There are many themes to consider needs of people. 

For all these reasons, EAVF is actively working to transform its paths, first and foremost supporting projects that are actively working towards this goal, such as Via Francigena For All, a project made possible thanks to Regione Piemonte, Visit Piemonte, and Turismo Torino e Provincia, in collaboration with various partners and associations. It was funded by a call from the Presidency of the Council of Ministers for accessible and inclusive tourism for people with disabilities. In two years, the project has mapped 150 sites along 36 kilometres of the route, created three new resting areas, and made 20 churches accessible. 

The project focuses on the ‘Canavese’ area in Piedmont region, between Ivrea and Viverone, and the Susa Valley variant, between Villar Focchiardo and Avigliana, involving the surrounding areas and their cultural, natural, sports, and gastronomic tourism offerings.  

2024 ended with the inclusive walk from Sant’Ambrogio to Avigliana, rounding off a year filled with numerous initiatives. In addition to the previously mentioned achievements, these included the census of accessible accommodations, the adaptation of tourist offices, and the installation of tactile-visual panels along the route, with Braille content for visually impaired people and QR codes that describe the locations in Italian, English, French, and LIS (Italian Sign Language) for people with hearing disabilities. Work placements dedicated to social inclusion were also organized. 

The hope is that these activities will continue to grow and that more regions will follow Piedmont’s example, transforming the territory to serve any traveller who wishes to cross it, regardless of the means they choose, as long as it remains sustainable and non-invasive. 

In November, AEVF spoke in Brussels about its European projects in an interesting debate on slow tourism and rural economic development.

In November 2024, the European Association of the Via Francigena Ways (AEVF) participated in two major European events, highlighting the role of slow tourism in economic development of rural areas in Europe.  

On 26-27 November the association attended the meeting with the European Commission “Transitioning to a more sustainable and resilient ecosystem” for COSME-funded projects, including recently launched DETOUR by AEVF and the municipality of Fidenza. 

Conducted by EISMEA – European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency and DG Grow, this meeting served to align project expectations, timelines, and administrative processes with the European Commission. As a partner in DETOUR, AEVF shared insights into its responsibilities, particularly in supporting SMEs along the Via Francigena.

The association’s efforts focus on empowering businesses to adopt sustainable and innovative practices, fostering resilience and competitiveness in tourism ecosystems. 

In parallel, on 28 November the EAVF joined the Policy Lab event “Enhancing policy coordination for vibrant rural areas: Learning from experience to build a sustainable rural future”, organized by the Rural Pact Support Office. This forum brought together over 100 policymakers, stakeholders, and rural advocates to discuss how to improve governance, policy integration, and funding mechanisms for rural areas across the EU.

EAVF showcased three of its key European projects—rurAllure, HIKE, and DETOUR —demonstrating how tourism, particularly slow tourism, can be a tool for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and the revitalization of rural communities while aligning with the EU’s long-term vision for rural development.

It may also interest you:

• DETOUR Project: boosting business development along the Via Francigena
• Via Francigena achievements in the European project rurAllure 2021 – 2023 
• EAVF  in Greece and Türkiye for the HIKE project

The regeneration of historic villages (“borghi” in Italian) along the Via Francigena, particularly Calendasco (Piacenza) and Berceto (Parma) —the first and last municipalities in Emilia-Romagna region on the cultural route of the Francigena — is at the heart of the “Transitare Paesaggi Culturali” project (2022–2026). This programme, born from collaboration between the European Association of the Via Francigena ways (EAVF) and the italian Ministry of Culture, is a key initiative for the cultural and social revitalisation of Emilia-Romagna. It is funded by the European Union through the Next Generation EU funds under the PNRR Borghi tender.

The Historical Role of Calendasco and the Via Francigena

Calendasco is a village rich in history, located at a strategic point along the Via Francigena, one of Europe’s oldest and most significant pilgrimage routes. This small town is home to one of the trail’s key landmarks: the Guado di Sigerico, where pilgrims crossed the River Po using ferries—a passage that continues to attract attention for its historical and symbolic value. The Via Francigena, connecting Canterbury to Rome, played a crucial role in cultural exchange and the flow of ideas, goods, and people over the centuries. Today, it re-emerges as a symbol of European identity and intercultural dialogue.

The “Transitare Paesaggi Culturali” Project and the Restoration of the Village

The initial phase of the project has already seen significant interventions in Calendasco, including the restoration of the castle’s former stables. This historic structure is being transformed into a cultural hub—a lively centre for cultural events, meetings, and activities aimed at enhancing local heritage. This creates new opportunities for sustainable development for the community, involving local and provincial schools.

In parallel, Berceto is also undergoing restoration, with the redevelopment of a former residential public building and the activation of a public cultural space. Situated along the scenic Cisa Pass, Berceto is set to become a key hospitality point with the “Pilgrim’s House”, a facility dedicated to those walking the Francigena trail.

The Festival of Transitions: Cultures in Motion and Diversity

One of the project’s most noteworthy initiatives is the “Transitions Festival” (2023–2024), which explores European cultural diversity and the “cultures of transit” along the Via Francigena. The festival provides a platform to reflect on the social and cultural transformations this historic route has fostered over time, focusing on themes such as integration, dialogue, and respect for diversity.

Education and School Engagement

The educational aspect of the “Transitare” project, led by AEVF, has been particularly impactful. Among the initiatives were educational walks for students as part of the ERASMUS Youth Pilgrims project. Many young people had the chance to discover Calendasco, reliving the experience of the Guado di Sigerico by crossing the River Po by ferry and visiting the castle and former stables—living examples of how cultural heritage can be enriched through education and responsible tourism.

Local schools, particularly Calendasco’s lower secondary school, played an active role in the project. Hosting a group of French students on an Erasmus exchange, they engaged participants in field and classroom activities, such as a workshop at the Piacenza campus of the Polytechnic University of Milan. These intercultural, barrier-free exchanges promoted the values of the Via Francigena among new generations, fostering a deeper connection with the territory.

A New Vision for the Future

The “Transitare Paesaggi Culturali” project is a model of how urban and cultural regeneration can revitalise historic villages, bringing ancient traditions back to life and creating new opportunities for the future. The Via Francigena is not only a historic route but also a contemporary laboratory for ideas and initiatives that strengthen European identity, intercultural dialogue, and sustainability.

The restoration of places like Calendasco and Berceto, supported by European funds and collaboration among institutions, local communities, and schools, exemplifies how the past can fuel an inclusive and innovative future. This is just the beginning of a journey to rejuvenate villages along the Via Francigena, offering them not only to pilgrims but to everyone seeking a meaningful connection with history and culture.

For further information, visit:

• Official project website
• Instagram page
• Facebook page

The Via Francigena, an ancient pilgrimage trail stretching across Europe from Canterbury to Rome, with extensions to the ports of Apulia, also traverses the Lombardy region in Italy, crossing the provinces of Pavia and Lodi. This segment, covering approximately 150 km across the region and divided into five stages, offers accessible routes for both walkers and cyclists.

As part of the project “The Via Francigena in Lombardy Towards the Jubilee 2025”, made possible by contributions from Regione Lombardia and supported by the Province of Pavia, the Province of Lodi, and the Municipality of Orio Litta, the state of the signage along the Lodi section has recently been inspected by the staff of the European Association of the Via Francigena (EAVF). This verification follows the completion of a similar assessment in 2022 for the Pavia section.

Improving signage and priority plans
The project for verifying and enhancing the signage, in line with the Abacus approved by EAVF and the regions crossed by the Via Francigena, aims to ensure greater safety and usability of the route for pilgrims travelling to Rome for the Jubilee in 2025. The intervention plan includes the use of standardized signage with white and red markers, alongside the installation of signposts, with three different levels of priority (low, medium, and high) for necessary interventions:

• High Priority: Sections where signage is essential for navigation or where visibility is low, particularly near junctions, crossroads, or less frequented rural areas.
• Medium Priority: Connecting stretches between points of interest or areas requiring improved visibility of existing signage.
• Low Priority: Sections that require minimal updates or additional signage, mainly in areas already well served.

A collaboration to enhance the route
This intervention is part of a broader collaboration between local authorities and the EAVF, born from the shared desire to meet the needs of the many pilgrims and enthusiasts who travel through Lombardy region each year along the Via Francigena. The Lombardy section of the Francigena is a cultural and natural treasure of great value, and this project aims to further enhance it, ensuring a safer, better-signposted, and more accessible walking experience for all.

Upgrading the signage along the Lodi section marks another significant step in promoting the Via Francigena in Lombardy, which is preparing to welcome a growing number of travellers and pilgrims during the Jubilee in 2025. Thanks to the support of institutions and the commitment of the AEVF, this historic route will continue to represent not only a path of faith but also an opportunity to explore the heart of Lombardy.

A major effort is underway to improve the route infrastructure, enhance safety, provide better hospitality, install signage, and boost international promotion. Over €22 million has been allocated.

The Via Francigena, a European Cultural Route, is gearing up for the Jubilee Year 2025 and preparing to welcome tens of thousands of pilgrims who will journey along this historic cultural route. The final destination next year will undoubtedly be Rome, specifically St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT WITH THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE

The route is undergoing significant development, particularly in the Italian section: improving pathways, ensuring safety, installing signage, enhancing hospitality, creating rest areas, establishing information points, and updating signage systems.

The interventions in northern Italy are distributed as follows: 1 in Valle d’Aosta, 3 in Piedmont, 7 in Lombardy, 13 in Emilia-Romagna, 4 in Liguria, 20 in Tuscany, 23 in Lazio.

This totals over 70 projects with an investment of €11,350,899. Additional safety, maintenance, and signage projects are also planned for the Via Francigena in Southern Italy in Lazio, Campania, and Puglia, amounting to €2,808,032. These initiatives are funded by the Italian Ministry of Culture through CIPE funds under the 2014–2020 Development and Cohesion Plan – Sheet 33 “Via Francigena.”

Further interventions are being funded by the Italian Ministry of Tourism through the Religious Paths Fund for 2024–2026. A total of €2,914,879 has been allocated to ten projects across various regions, from Valle d’Aosta to Puglia. Measures to enhance route accessibility are also planned.

PROMOTION WITH THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM

In addition to infrastructure improvements, significant international promotion efforts are planned. With nearly €2 million provided by the Ministry of Tourism, initiatives will include animation and digitization activities, participation in fairs, communication campaigns, and blogger tours. These efforts are being coordinated with Italian regions and the European Association of the Via Francigena ways (EAVF).

The Ministry of Tourism is also conducting a focused campaign to improve communication, geolocation, and signage along the Via Francigena. This includes installing “smart signage” in select “pilot municipalities” along the route. These intelligent signs will highlight local features, promote scenic and cultural attractions, and showcase local businesses, making them easily discoverable for pilgrims via a dedicated app provided by the Ministry. The digital solution will also offer free Wi-Fi and help walkers with timely information. The €3,857,985.76 funding will enable the installation of 37 devices.

ROME MUNICIPALITY’S CONTRIBUTION

Good news also comes from the Rome municipality, which is investing in infrastructure improvements along the Via Francigena for the Jubilee, particularly on the final stretch of the route. A budget of €1,142,691 has been allocated for safety upgrades, maintenance, signage, and rest areas. An additional €300,000 has been earmarked for promotional efforts.

These significant investments confirm the ongoing commitment to developing the Via Francigena as a vital international route. In addition to the €22 million allocated, regional governments are also funding various local projects related to the route.

The goal is to make the Via Francigena increasingly beautiful, frequented, and accessible along its entire path, from Canterbury to Santa Maria di Leuca. Last year, the route attracted 50,000 pilgrims from over 50 countries. The target for 2025 is 100,000 pilgrims, with many expected to arrive at St. Peter’s Basilica on foot or by bicycle.

Può interessarti anche:

• Jubilee 2025: Green Light from the Rome City Council for the Pilgrims’ Paths Redevelopment Project
• The Via Francigena in Lombardy towards the Jubilee 2025

Santanchè returns to the Via Francigena after the G7 Tourism summit, aiming to promote the route in preparation for the Jubilee of 2025.

An entire day was dedicated to walking the Tuscan section of the Via Francigena, from Pietrasanta to Camaiore, culminating in a visit and lunch at the beautiful pilgrims hostel “Ostello di Camaiore”. The Italian Minister for Tourism, Daniela Santanchè, retraced a section of the European Via Francigena route on foot. She had previously walked parts of the trail in spring last year with the European Association of Via Francigena Ways (EAVF), between San Miniato and San Gimignano.

Her participation in this walk was announced during the G7 Tourism summit held in Florence from 13–15 November, which also included a guided tour of the Castle and Monumental Complex of Abbadia Isola in Monteriggioni, as well as a visit to the Archaeological Museum.

With the aim of further familiarising herself with the route and enhancing its international profile, while showcasing its cultural and historical heritage, the Minister kept her promise last Saturday, 16 November. She walked from Pietrasanta to Valpromaro, accompanied by environmental guide Andrea Lombardi from Feder.Cammini.

A warm welcome awaited her at two hostels, in Camaiore and Valpromaro, both key stops for travellers from all over the world.

“There is a heritage along the Via Francigena that must be protected and can become a cornerstone of Italian tourism, comparable to the Camino de Santiago in Compostela. The Ministry believes in this and is investing resources”, Santanchè stated at the end of the walk.

Photo credits: Ministero del Turismo

After having organised two weekends of hikes and workshops along the Via Francigena in Apulia for the European project HIKE, the team of the European Association of the Via Francigena (EAVF) took part in the project partners’ activities in Greece and Türkiye. These events represented an important opportunity for exchange of best practices among the route managers and promotion of healthy lifestyles through outdoor activities and sustainable tourism.

In October, the activities were focused on the Via Egnatia. This historic road crosses the Balkan region and played a significant role in antiquity as a communication route between Western and Eastern Europe. Together with the project partners Paths of Greece, EAVF explored several stages of the path near Edessa, known for its waterfalls and natural beauty as well as attended the workshop on safety on a hike.

 The November events In Türkiye focused on outdoor activities and networking, offering EAVF the chance to meet representatives of the local authorities and local associations in change of the Tolerance Way,  creating synergies between the Via Francigena and other culturally significant routes, while sharing expertise in governance and sustainability. Organised by the Culture Routes Society, participants walked along the Tolerance way, a route located in the Kocaeli region connecting the cities of Izmit and Iznik in north-western Türkiye. This route is known for its goal of promoting peaceful coexistence among different ethnic and religious communities, uniting the historical and cultural diversity of the area.

The final event in Izmit marked the conclusion of the active phase of the HIKE project, offering walking enthusiasts and local residents the opportunity to explore walking routes in Italy, Greece, and Türkiye, showcasing how walking can enhance physical, mental, and psychological well-being. The partners had the chance to exchange best practices, gain hands-on experience in managing various routes, and contribute to an academic study on the health benefits of walking.

Pictures courtesy: www.cultureroutesinturkey.com – www.pathsofgreece.gr – @mogli_intecity – @travelstoriesfromyworld – @kokladunyayi – @trailofus

On 1 November 2024, Via Francigena joins a DETOUR project – short for “Development of resilient tourism ecosystems along Mediterranean walking routes” together with seven international partners under the leadership of the municipality of Fidenza.  

This project, financed by the European Union in the framework of the COSME programme, facilitates access to finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) along some of Europe’s most scenic rural walking routes including the Via Francigena in Italy, Lycian way in Turkey, Sultan’s train in Bulgaria and a network of mountainous routes in Greece.  

DETOUR in Italy will focus on empowering SMEs along the Via Francigena in the Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna regions along the stretch from Pavia to Berceto. This pilot area will benefit from targeted training sessions to increase digital skills, promote alternative resources and foster business sustainability. The SMEs operating along the Via Francigena in this area will receive mentoring and access to innovation funding opportunities for the projects focused on renewable energy installations, enhanced web presence, and unique tourism packages, bringing lasting economic and environmental benefits to the region.  

As a project coordinator and EAVF founding member, Fidenza will host the final conference of the project, underscoring its dedication to fostering tourism that respects and revitalizes local landscapes, cultures, and economies. 

With a budget of 2 million euros and a duration of three years, DETOUR represents a significant commitment to advancing sustainable tourism along European historic pilgrimage routes.