Author: Redazione AEVF

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 trail in Bulgaria and a network of mountainous routes in Greece.  

DETOUR in Italy will focus on empowering SMEs along the Via Francigena along the stretch from Pavia to Rome. 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. 

Organised by the EAVF and Grand Besançon Métropole, with the support of the Ministry of Culture of France, a crossroads of Cultural Routes will take place on 25 November 2024. The Cultural Routes programme was set up by the Council of Europe in 1987 with the Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim’s Way, and currently includes 48 certified routes. The Via Francigena was certified in 1994 and celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. In France, the French Federation of European Cultural Routes (Fédération Française des Itinéraires Culturels Européens, FFICE), which was set up in 2010 and re-founded in 2022, brings together certified routes and non-certified routes that are currently applying to set up projects with the support of the Ministry of Culture to promote these routes in France.

In 2024, several routes were once again able to obtain a grant to organise events at ‘crossroads’, strategic points where several routes intersect, in order to showcase the sites and partners, organise events for the general public and increase synergies.

The Via Francigena, which is a member of the FFICE, has received support from the World Heritage Mission to organise, as part of the 30^th anniversary of its certification, an event in Besançon on 25 November 2024, in which 8 Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe will take part.

The aim is to continue working in favour of a structured and dynamic network at regional level, to raise awareness among local players and professionals, to encourage this dynamic between French and European players, and to raise awareness among all citizens of our common European heritage and shared European values.

Check out the programme! (available in French)

Fill in the form to register

After three months, on September 21st, 2024, the first edition of the “Francigena Photo Contest 2024” officially concluded. A sister initiative of the “Share your route!” photo contest, organized by EAVF in 2022 and 2023 as part of the European rurAllure project, the 2024 edition of the contest was promoted by Via Francigena Suisse in collaboration with EAVF.

Pilgrims walking the route competed through photographs and reels, helping to promote the beauty of the Via Francigena and the experience of pilgrimage.

Once again, the prize pool was rich this year thanks to the collaboration with EAVF’s partners: the first-place winners in each of the four categories will receive a Ferrino backpack, a Ferrino tent, a pair of Garmont shoes, and a CAMCO clothing item, respectively.

Additionally, due to the high number of photos and videos received, the jury decided to award second and third place in each category with a Francigena-themed surprise.

Here are the names of the winners and the awarded entries

Category “most beautiful Photo”

• 1st place: @estherhodgesleclaire
• 2nd place: @_silvio_russo_ph
• 3rd place: @gionalx

Category “most beautiful reel/video”

• 1st place: @beatrice.claroni
• 2nd place: @gabrydellanna
• 3rd place: @Ennio Cherubini

category “most captivating anecdote/story”

• 1st place: @simonedesio
• 2nd place: @mamie__etsasherpa
• 3rd place: @fontanafoto

category “funniest content”

• 1st place: @gi.va_lighteye_68
• 2nd place: @wonder.intrek
• 3rd place: @matildeazzini

The enthusiastic participation and the hundreds of submissions we received are a great testament to the significance of this route, and we can only express our gratitude to those who travel it each year on foot or by bicycle.

Congratulations to all the participants, and a big thank you to our partners. See you next year!

Over 130 participants took part in the EAVF General Assembly, held in Monte Sant’Angelo on Friday 18 October. The participation of members, friends and partners from Italy, England, France and Switzerland – the four countries crossed by the Francigena, was very heartfelt. The event was hosted by the municipality of Monte Sant’Angelo with contribution of the Apulia Region in collaboration with the Monte Sant’Angelo Francigena Association and Italea Puglia.

The AEVF Assembly returned to Apulia 5 years after its historic meeting in Bari, which approved the extension of the Via Francigena from Rome to Santa Maria di Leuca on 18 October 2019. 

The institutional greetings were given by the Mayor of Monte Sant’Angelo Pierpaolo D’Arienzo, the Director of the Tourism Department of the Apulia Region Aldo Patruno and the EAVF President Francesco Ferrari, who chaired the meeting. The President of the Apulia Region Michele Emiliano also greeted the participants via teleconference.

The new EAVF member – the municipality of Nicorvo (Lombardy) and the friend association of Stornara (Apulia) were warmly welcomed to the Francigena family, making it 244 full members and 94 friends association.

The Assembly also celebrated the winners of the Via Francigena Best Practice 2023, awarding the “Frangiscotto della Via Francigena” by Via Francigena Canosa di Puglia association, Conference on Slow Tourism and the Via Francigena by the municipality of Pavia, project “Francigena for All” by the Piedmont region.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the unanimous approval of the Francigena Britannica, the historic pedestrian route of 150 km connecting London and Canterbury, zero km of the Via Francigena. This itinerary was developed and presented by the Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome, EAVF friend association, strongly supported by EAVF and the Canterbury administration.

An update on the Via Francigena candidacy as a UNESCO World Heritage Site was given by the Councillor of the Tuscany Region Francesco Gazzetti.

A special session was dedicated to the exchange of best practices along the entire route, with the spotlight on Apulia and its recent inauguration of the touristic and directional signposting in the framework of the project Asset.

The EAVF projects which received the European Union funds were presented to the members:  “HIKE  – Hiking for Healthier Lifestyle”  in the framework of the Erasmus Sport programme and “Detour – Development of resilient tourism ecosystems along the Mediterranean walking routes” by COSME programme. The projects, conducted with international partners from Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria connect Francigena with the rest of Europe. 

Then the meeting on cultural routes in France was presented –  to be held in Besançon on 25 November, it received support from the French Ministry of Culture.

The Association Swiss Via Francigena also showcased its several ongoing activities.

Finally, the 2025 tourist promotion project on the Via Francigena, supported by the Italian Ministry of Tourism and the Lazio region, was shared with the members.

On the day of the assembly, two important events took place: the inauguration of the official signposting realised with the contribution of the Apulia Region, and the meeting of the volunteer associations along the Via Francigena in the South.

The rich cultural programme was organized by the municipality of Monte Sant’Angelo, offering concerts, exhibitions, guided tours and convivial moments. On 19 October the members took part in a short walk along the Via Francigena animated by Italea Puglia and inspired by HIKE project.

The EAVF assembly provided a great opportunity for exchange and discussion, as well as for development of collaborations between administrations and associations in the various countries involved.

At the beginning of the assembly, a moment of remembrance was dedicated to the late president Massimo Tedeschi, who founded the EAVF 23 years ago. The whole Via Francigena family will continue his work to further develop the European network of dialogue and cooperation.

Our Association is excited to announce a new international collaboration that will make all walking enthusiasts happy. Those who love walking know how essential it is to take care of their feet: they are our most precious tool and require special attention to ensure a pleasant experience without unexpected events. 

One of the most common annoyances that can compromise a walk, whether short or long, are the much-feared blisters. These form mainly due to prolonged friction between the skin and an external object, such as shoes or socks. When there is constant rubbing, the outer layer of the skin separates from the inner layer, creating a space that fills with a serous liquid or, in some cases, blood. This process is a natural defense of the body to protect damaged skin. 

There are numerous remedies after the damage is done, but how can we prevent blisters and avoid these annoying guests ruining our walk? 

Camminare Comodi offers an effective solution based on the preventive use of soothing sheep’s wool. When applied before a hike, they help prevent blisters, providing comfort and protection throughout the hike. 

Using Hikers wool offers numerous benefits, especially in reducing friction, as sheep’s wool creates a soft, protective layer between the skin and the shoe, preventing constant rubbing while walking. Thanks to its natural breathability, wool also absorbs moisture, keeping feet cool and dry all day long. In addition, sheep’s wool is soft and comfortable, providing natural cushioning with soothing properties that protect sensitive areas of the foot and relieve pain in areas that are already irritated or subject to pressure. Sheep’s wool has natural antibacterial qualities, thanks to lanolin, a waxy substance that helps prevent skin infections caused by blisters or irritation; in addition, wool is an insulating material that helps keep feet cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cold. This thermal balance is particularly useful for walkers and hikers, who face different climatic conditions.

Last but not least, it is a natural and ecological material, ideal for those who want to reduce the use of synthetic products, and which also embraces our choice to rely on partners who care about sustainability. Camminare Comodi stands out for its strong ethical and sustainable values. The company has chosen to pay a fair price to Dutch farmers with whom it has built direct relationships to guarantee the origin of the wool, also offering an organic version of the product. In addition, the wool is packaged by people with difficulty accessing work, thus promoting social inclusion and contributing to a more sustainable future. 

With this collaboration, we want to improve the experience of those who share our passion for walking, providing useful tools to fully enjoy every step, without painful interruptions. 

If you have questions or would like more information, visit the Camminare Comodi website for more details or send them a message. They will be happy to help you find the ideal solution for your needs.