Author: Redazione AEVF

The stages of the Via Francigena in Lombardy region in Italy are seven in total, stretching from the town of Palestro to the Piedmontese border, passing through the provinces of Pavia and Lodi, up to the stage from Orio Litta to Piacenza, which marks the beginning of Emilia-Romagna after crossing the Po River.

This is a route of around 150 km, divided into seven stages, which tells the stories of little-known but very fascinating villages scattered along rivers such as the Sesia, Po, and Ticino, through cultivated fields and rice paddies. In preparation for the 2025 Jubilee, the Via Francigena in Lombardy will welcome many pilgrims: thanks to the collaboration between the EAVF, the Lombardy Region, the provinces of Pavia and Lodi, and the municipality of Orio Litta, the project “La Via Francigena in Lombardy, towards the 2025 Jubilee” has been created, dedicated to enhancing and improving the Lombard stretch of the Francigena. Initiatives include improving signage in the province of Lodi, in line with the signage guide approved by EAVF and the involved Regions; a series of training meetings for public and private entities on promotion, hospitality, services, and cultural enhancement; and the distribution of informational materials for pilgrims. Thanks to the valuable collaboration with Free Wheels Onlus, the Accessibility Guide has also been created, with the support of experts and associations, to make the route more inclusive.

Must-See Places in Lombardy region

Along the Via Francigena in Lombardy, many places of historical, architectural, religious, and culinary interest can be found. EAVF has mapped 28 of them:

• The Tower of Palestro – (PV)
  In the eponymous town, in the province of Pavia, you can admire this tower, once part of a medieval castrum, now disappeared due to the devastations of the 17th and 18th centuries. The Tower is the only surviving structure of the original complex, which, according to historical records, included at least six towers, the residence of the feudal lords, civil and military buildings, prisons, and a place of worship. Strategically located near the Sesia River, along the road between Vercelli and Novara, and on the Via Francigena, the castrum allowed for effective control of the territory.
• San Valerian Church – Robbio (PV)
  Founded in the early 11th century by the Lomellina family of da Besate, it was part of a monumental complex that included a monastery, a baptistery, and a bell tower. As a priory dependent on the Benedictine Abbey of Cluny, and due to its location along the Via Francigena, the church played an important role and offered hospitality to pilgrims on their way to Rome.
• The Romanesque Church of San Pietro – Robbio (PV)
  Dating back to the last quarter of the 12th century, the main building was constructed by Lombard artisans. Notably, the façade features a terracotta portal made by the Comacini Masters.

• The Vivetta Sewing Machine Museum – Robbio (PV)
  This museum houses a unique collection of over 500 sewing machines, from renowned brands like Singer and Necchi to lesser-known ones. Giovanni Baldin, the founder of the museum and project, has been collecting these machines for 40 years.
• The Basilica of San Lorenzo – Mortara (PV)
  Built towards the end of the 14th century by Bartolino da Novara, it features a Gothic-style terracotta façade and contains numerous works of art. Upon entering, to the right, there is a 15th-century fresco depicting the Virgin with Child, which has long been a focus of great devotion by the people of Mortara.
• The Abbey of Sant’Albino – Mortara (PV)
  Built at the request of the English monk Alcuino Albino, it stands on the site where, on 12th October 773, Charlemagne’s Franks defeated the Lombards of King Desiderius, resulting in many casualties, including two Frankish paladins: Amelio d’Alvernia and Amico Beyre. Legend has it that Charlemagne ordered them to be buried in two nearby churches, but the next day, the two bodies were found in the same church. It was then that Albino, Charlemagne’s advisor, proposed the establishment of a monastery on the site.

• The Province of Pavia – Lomellina Area
  This region is the leading rice producer in Italy and Europe, so much so that the plains of Lomellina and the Lower Pavese are known as “the land of rice”. Originally, however, the area was marshy and partly barren, and it was only from the Middle Ages onwards that the land was transformed, enriched with canals and ditches. Today, the fertile flooded rice paddies turn the landscape into a checkerboard of water, reflecting the many farmhouses and castles of the region, along with birdlife like herons, ibis, and mallards.
• Sanctuary of Madonna della Bozzola – Garlasco (PV)
  Erected in 1465 following an apparition of the Madonna to a mute girl, who was healed by the Virgin and asked to build a sanctuary in her name to protect the area. Upon returning to the village, the girl recounted the story, and the locals, astonished, began building the sanctuary.
• Parasacco – Zerbolò (PV)
  On the right bank of the Ticino River, Parasacco was originally a commercial settlement. The Tower that once belonged to the old castle remains, a stronghold built by the people of Pavia between the 14th and 15th centuries to counter the Milanese expansionist ambitions over Lomellina.

• The Certosa of Pavia – (PV)
  A monumental complex that includes the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the Ducal Palace, and two cloisters for monastic life. Commissioned in 1396 by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, it was intended as a palace, palatine church, and mausoleum. Today, the Certosa houses a museum and even an herbal shop where the monks sell herbal teas, liqueurs, and digestives made from medicinal plants grown in the garden.
• Pavia Castle – (PV)
  Built by Galeazzo II Visconti starting in 1360, it became more of a refined court residence than a defensive fortress. The elegant decorations, such as the graceful windows and internal frescoes depicting battle scenes, court life, and hunting, suggest its role as a royal residence.
• Pavia Cathedral – (PV)
  Construction of the Cathedral of Pavia began in 1488 and was completed in the 1930s. Built at the request of the citizens, the cathedral was erected above the two Romanesque churches of St. Stephen and St. Mary of the People, which are now dedicated to the saints. The design, created by Donato Bramante, features a Greek cross and an octagonal dome. Inside, the cathedral houses the relics of saints and blessed individuals, including St. Siro, patron of Pavia, and the Holy Spikes of Christ’s Crown.

• Basilica of San Michael Mayor – Pavia
  One of the finest examples of Pavia’s Romanesque architecture, it was built on a previous Lombard place of worship. During the Carolingian period, it became a palatine chapel and later, from the end of the 9th century, the preferred venue for royal rituals, baptisms, and coronations, including that of Frederick Barbarossa in 1155.
• San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro – Pavia
  Built on an ancient Lombard temple, it is said to be the same place where Theodoric, the Ostrogoth king, had the philosopher Boethius executed and buried for treason. The current Romanesque basilica was constructed between the late 11th and early 12th centuries and reached its peak under King Liutprand, who transferred the remains of St. Augustine to this site.
• Belgioioso Castle – (PV)
  Founded by Gian Galeazzo II Visconti in the 14th century on family land where the village of Belgioioso would later develop, the name “gioioso” is said to reflect the pleasure the Duke took in staying in the area, while “bel” was added after the castle’s embellishment.

• Cusani Visconti Castle – Chignolo Po (PV)
  Also known as the Castle of Chignolo Po, it was built in the 13th century on a Lombard stronghold, of which only the Tower remains. The castle became one of the largest Lombard estates in the 13th century, passing ownership first to the Pusterla family and then to the Cusani family.
• Cavazzi Castle – Somaglia (LO)
  Built on an ancient castrum from the year 1000, the current appearance of the castle derives from two main interventions: in the 14th century, Barnabò Visconti built the part with exposed brick and Ghibelline merlons; in the 17th century, the Cavazzi family transformed the fortress into a noble residence.
• Zanardi Landi Palace – Guardamiglio (LO)
  The Tower, or “Torretta,” is all that remains of the summer residence commissioned by the Zanardi-Landi family in the 16th century. Today, the structure hosts events, cultural activities, and temporary exhibitions, making it a central location in the town.

• Church of San Pietro – Mezzana Casati (LO)
  Built around 1573, this church has a Latin cross plan with a single nave, two chapels in the transept, and an elevated presbytery, all covered by ribbed vaults.
• Cascina Aione – Orio Litta (LO)
  Originally a flourishing agricultural company until the 1970s, Cascina Filandone’s name changed to “Aione” in recent years, recalling the large square adjacent to it, today known as Piazza Aldo Moro and a public garden.
• Benedictine Grange – Orio Litta (LO)
  The term “Grange” comes from Latin and means “granary”. It was an agricultural centre managed by monks, storing and producing resources for monastic life. Its most distinctive feature is the panoramic tower, which today offers rooms for pilgrims travelling the Via Francigena, preserving one of the Grange’s historical functions.

• Church of Sant’Andrea – Corte Sant’Andrea (LO)
  Located in the village of Corte Sant’Andrea, this church stands at the confluence of the Lambro and Po rivers. It was historically referred to as “Santo Andrea ad Caudam” due to the shape of the land resembling a long tail (“caudam” in Latin).
• Sigerico Ford – Calendasco (PC)
  In the hamlet of Senna Lodigiana, you will find the Transitum Padi, the ancient ford over the Po River, where pilgrims would cross to reach Soprarivo di Calendasco, the first Emilia-Romagna stage of the Via Francigena.

• Province of Pavia – (Typical Dishes)
  The province of Pavia is renowned for its excellent wines and rich agricultural and culinary traditions. A staple product of Pavia is rice, with over 80,000 hectares of rice fields in the province, making it the leading rice producer in Italy. Pork is also a key ingredient, and it is used to produce the Salame di Varzi, typical of the Oltrepò area, which utilises all parts of the pig, even the “noble” cuts. Other popular pork products include ciccioli (pork cracklings), cotechino (a type of sausage), and sanguinaccio (blood sausage). Barbera, Bonarda, Moscato, and Pinot are just a few of the thirty-six types of wine produced in the Oltrepò. Other regional specialties include Borlotti beans, grown for centuries in Gambolò, as well as in Garlasco and Mortara; the Bertagnina pumpkin of Dorno; and the Ecumenical Goose Salami, primarily produced in Mortara, so named because it is suitable for consumption by all three monotheistic religions.

• Province of Lodi – (Typical Dishes)
  The culinary tradition of Lodi features typical products such as rice, cured meats, and especially cheeses. The king of Lodi cheeses is Grana, or Granone Lodigiano, from which raspadüra is made, thin shavings of cheese obtained using a special knife. Another local cheese is Pannerone, which is characterised by a bitter aftertaste and soft texture. In terms of desserts, mascarpone, made from cream, is a prominent ingredient. A traditional main dish is tripe. Other typical dishes include risotto (in variations with tomato and salamella sausage or with savoy cabbage and Borlotti beans), stewed frogs, loin rolls stuffed with Grana cheese and breadcrumbs, and desserts such as Tortionata and Sant’Angelo amaretti biscuits.

• Ticino Val Grande Verbano Biosphere Reserve – Milan, Novara, Pavia, Varese, Verbano-Cusio-Ossola
  This reserve extends along the Ticino River, between Piedmont and Lombardy, covering over 332,000 hectares and including more than 200 municipalities. It forms an important ecological corridor within the Po Plain, with rich biodiversity, numerous historical sites, and is one of the largest river parks in Europe. The Ticino Val Grande Verbano Reserve was officially designated in 2018, expanding the existing Ticino Valley Reserve, which has been part of the UNESCO “Man and the Biosphere” (MAB) programme since 2002.

• Po Grande Biosphere Reserve – Pavia, Lodi, Piacenza, Cremona, Parma, Reggio Emilia, Mantua, and Rovigo
  The Po Grande Reserve was established on 19th June 2019, joining the UNESCO “Man and the Biosphere” programme with the aim of promoting scientific cooperation, environmental sustainability, and a balance between human activity and nature. The reserve is located in the central stretch of the Po River and spans 286,600 hectares. It crosses the regions of Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto, involving 85 municipalities in the provinces of Pavia, Lodi, Piacenza, Cremona, Parma, Reggio Emilia, Mantua, and Rovigo.

• Monticchie Nature Reserve – Somaglia (LO)
  The landscape of Somaglia has long been characterised by dense forests and marshy areas, described in some ancient parchments as “Lacus de Barisiis”, as it was the meeting point for the old courses of the Lambro, Po, and Brembiolo rivers. The Monticchie Nature Reserve now spans 250 hectares, including 24.5 hectares of hydrophilic woodland and 225.5 hectares of agricultural land rich in canals and springs. The reserve is particularly notable for its fauna, including a significant heronry of over 600 breeding pairs, among which the Grey Heron is particularly prominent. The high quality of its waters is evidenced by the presence of a rare frog species, the Lataste’s Frog, as well as the Collared Grass Snake and the Spotted Salamander.

Additional Information
To embark on a journey through these areas, it is recommended to check the relevant websites for opening hours and booking requirements, as some sites may require prior reservations.

On 22-23 January 2025 European Association of the Via Francigena ways will participate in the kick-off meeting of the European project “DETOUR: Development of Resilient Tourism Ecosystems along Mediterranean Routes“, financed by the European Union under the SMP (Single Market Programme)

The project, launched on 1 november 2024 by eighth European partners, aims at promoting and enhancing green transition, digitalisation and resilience of the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located along the walking routes.

Over the next three years, partners from five countries will work together to support rural development along the Via Francigena in Italy, the Lycian Way in Turkey, the Sultan’s Trail in Bulgaria, and a network of mountain routes in Greece.

The kick-off meeting in Antalya, Turkey, will provide an opportunity for all project partners to align on objectives and strategies. The event will include institutional greetings, with a welcome address by the Governor, as well as moments of discovery, such as a guided walk along the Lycian Way to explore the local territory.

With a budget of 2 million euros and a three-year timeline, DETOUR represents a significant commitment to fostering

Credits: Lycian Way – Culture Routes Society

On 16 December 2024, EAVF member Campagnano di Roma hosted the event “Campagnano 2025 Destination Jubilee: Experiences – Proposals – Hospitality” at the Pilgrims’ Archaeological Museum. The initiative, organized by the municipality, gathered an impressive audience, including local tourism operators, businesses, and cultural stakeholders, to discuss strategies for enhancing the city’s cultural and tourism offers in preparation for Roman Catholic Giubileo 2025. 

At the heart of the event was the Via Francigena, which traverses Campagnano on its way to Rome. Its significance as a cornerstone of slow tourism and a means of revitalizing rural areas was emphasized throughout the discussions. The European Association of Via Francigena Ways (EAVF) played a key role in highlighting the route’s potential, with President Francesco Ferrari and Director Luca Bruschi participating as speakers. They shared the association’s ongoing initiatives to promote the Via Francigena and its critical role in connecting rural communities with the broader European tourism network, such as HIKE and DETOUR projects, which received European funds for developing and revitalising local communities along the route.  

Mayor Alessio Nisi and Delegate for Walking Trails and Slow Tourism, Antonella Di Marco, stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to prepare Campagnano as a prime destination for religious and cultural tourism. With the Jubilee 2025 as a catalyst, the town aims to attract pilgrims and tourists while ensuring its cultural heritage is preserved and its local economy thrives. 

On Friday, 17th January, from 7:30 PM to 9:45 PM, a round table discussion will take place in Paris at Forum104 as part of the “Paths and People” series, on the theme: “Via Francigena, Via Ligeria: The Great Journey to Rome on the Eve of the Jubilee”.

The Theme

A thousand-year-old route linking Canterbury (England) to Rome, the Via Francigena has experienced a remarkable revival over the past decade. Cyprien Mycinski and Clara Gaymard have explored its Italian section, while Anthony Grouard and Anne-Laure Timmel started their journey from Nantes, thereby charting the Via Ligeria. These are wonderful pilgrimage ideas for the 2025 Jubilee in Rome!

The Speakers

→ Clara Gaymard, entrepreneur, co-founder of the RAISE company and the Movement for a Benevolent Economy. She is the author of La mia francigena (L’éditeur à part, 2024).
→ Anthony Grouard and Anne-Laure Timmel, founders of Haltes pèlerines en Loire-Atlantique and the Via Ligeria. They also organise the annual Nantes Forum dedicated to pilgrimage routes. They are the authors of From Nantes to Rome via the Via Ligeria and the Via Francigena (Salvator, 2025).
→ Cyprien Mycinski, history and geography teacher and journalist. He is the author of Via Francigena. Walking Across Italy (Salvator, 2017).

After the Round Table

The event will include a book signing session with the authors and refreshments.

• Entry Fee: €8 (advance booking recommended: bit.ly/rdv-chemins)
• Information: communicationlepelerin@groupebayard.com or tel. +33 1 45 44 01 87 (Forum104).

2025 is shaping up to be the perfect year to rediscover the pleasures of slow travel and sustainable tourism, thanks to holidays offering multiple long weekends. For those wishing to take advantage of these breaks to immerse themselves in history, nature, and spirituality, the Via Francigena is the ideal choice. With its 3,200 km, it is easily divided into stages, adaptable to various needs. It’s therefore a great idea for a simple weekend, a slightly longer break, or for first-time walkers seeking a more manageable itinerary. Here’s a guide with suggestions for two-day or longer walks for each holiday throughout the year.

Easter Weekend (18-21 April 2025)

2-Day Itinerary

Canterbury to Shepherdswell – (16 km)
This route starts at the heart of the Via Francigena in Canterbury, with its magnificent UNESCO World Heritage cathedral, and continues through the Kent countryside, following well-marked paths to the picturesque village of Shepherdswell, known for its bucolic landscapes and welcoming pubs.
After a night in Shepherdswell, we recommend returning to Canterbury, enjoying a different perspective of the landscapes.

4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Canterbury to Shepherdswell (16 km)
As described above in the “2-Day Itinerary” section.

Day 2: Shepherdswell to Dover (17 km)
Leave Shepherdswell and head towards the coastal town of Dover, famous for its towering white cliffs and majestic Norman castle. This stage will reward you with a spectacular view of the English Channel at the end of the day.

Day 3: Excursion to St. Margaret’s at Cliffe and South Foreland (10 km)
On the third day, we recommend exploring the surroundings of Dover with a scenic hike to the South Foreland lighthouse and the village of St. Margaret’s at Cliffe.

Day 4: Return to Canterbury by train and final visit
Finally, return to Canterbury for a more relaxed day, visiting the historic centre and shopping at the local markets.

Early May Bank Holiday (3-5 May 2025)

2-Day Itinerary

Calais to Wissant – 20.3 km
For this early summer weekend, we suggest exploring the start of the French section of the Via Francigena, beginning in Calais on the English Channel. You’ll encounter the magnificent town hall bell tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering views of the entire coastline. From here, continue for 20.3 km to Wissant, passing the beach where you’ll discover the lighthouse, Fort Risban, and the Pluviôse submarine memorial. On a clear day, England is visible from the “Dover Patrol” monument at Cap Blanc-Nez.

4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Canterbury to Chilham (13 km)
Admire the typical landscapes of Kent and visit Chilham Castle.

Day 2: Chilham to Wye (12 km)
Continue to Wye, one of the most beautiful villages in the region, known for its church and traditional pubs.

Day 3: Wye to Dover (21 km)
Finish with a more challenging walk to Dover, rewarded by views of the famous cliffs.

Day 4: excursion along the White Cliffs (10 km)
Dedicate the final day to a relaxing walk along the cliffs, enjoying the maritime scenery.

Spring Bank Holiday (24-26 May 2025)

2-Day itinerary

San Miniato to Gambassi Terme (Tuscany) – 25 km
For those looking for a southern route, we suggest this Italian stretch, a path through the Tuscan hills, passing vineyards, olive groves, and historic churches. Starting at the San Francesco Convent in San Miniato, you’ll reach the Cristo Re Church in Gambassi Terme, making this itinerary perfect for a weekend immersed in relaxation and nature.

4-Day itinerary

Day 1: Canterbury to Shepherdswell (16 km)
Start your journey from historic Canterbury.

Day 2: Shepherdswell to Dover (17 km)
Walk through the countryside to reach the coast.

Day 3: Dover to Folkestone (14 km)
Follow the coastal path with spectacular views of the English Channel.

Day 4: excursion to Hythe (13 km)
Continue to Hythe, where you can explore the famous St. Leonard’s Church with its medieval bones.

These routes combine history, nature, and spirituality, offering unforgettable experiences along the Via Francigena. Whether you have just two days or a long weekend, you’ll find itineraries suited to enjoying the unique charm of this historic path. 😊

Tips for pilgrims
Whatever long weekend you choose, remember to prepare in advance: plan your stages, check accommodation availability, and consult the weather forecast. Take advantage of these days to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Via Francigena, a route that blends nature, culture, and spirituality.

The Via Francigena, a historic route recognised as a “Cultural Route of the Council of Europe”, is set to play a pivotal role in the 2025 Jubilee celebrations in collaboration with Regione Lazio. Supported by funding from the Development and Cohesion Fund – Development and Cohesion Plan under the Italian Ministry of Culture (Project Card 33 – Via Francigena – Cross-cutting Actions, Communication and Promotion Plan), the initiative will feature a new website, a mobile app, and coordinated communication activities led by the European Association of Via Francigena Ways (EAVF). 

A journey steeped in history with a destination like no other 

Stretching from Canterbury to Santa Maria di Leuca, the Via Francigena traverses 715 municipalities and 16 european regions over 3,200 kilometres. In 2025, however, attention will focus on Lazio, where pilgrims will converge on their long-awaited destination: Rome, the Eternal City, and the Basilica of Saint Peter. 

Slow and sustainable tourism for the Jubilee 

The official beginning of the 2025 Jubilee, marked by the opening of the Holy Door on 24 December at the Vatican, has signalled the launch of this significant project to promote the Via Francigena. The initiative seeks to attract an international audience by establishing the route as a benchmark for cultural and religious tourism while also enhancing local communities through a model of slow and sustainable tourism. 

Joint efforts will focus on improving the accessibility of the route, enhancing facilities, ensuring safety, and upgrading signage. Moreover, they will aim to promote tourism connected to artistic heritage, gastronomy, and local traditions. 

Celebrated every 25 years, the Jubilee is a major global religious event that offers the faithful an opportunity for prayer, pilgrimage, and indulgence. It also serves as a moment to reflect on the significance of the journey and the pilgrimage experience. The Via Francigena, which crosses Lazio region before reaching Rome and extends southwards to Santa Maria di Leuca in Puglia, presents a unique opportunity to combine the spiritual aspect of the journey with the discovery of regions rich in history and culture, immersing travellers in places shaped by centuries of passage by merchants, pilgrims, and travellers. 

Key stops along the 2025 Jubilee route 

The EAVF will use its multilingual communication channels to share the route’s highlights across the regions it traverses. A series of region-focused articles will provide a comprehensive portrait of each area, including essential information for pilgrims. These features will outline key stages, logistical details, points of scenic, artistic, and culinary interest, and recommended itineraries for those with only a few days to explore a regional section. 

This storytelling approach will serve as a true travel diary, beginning in Puglia region and winding its way north through Campania, Lazio, Tuscany, Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Piedmont, and Valle d’Aosta. It will then continue through the picturesque sections of Switzerland, France, and England, showcasing the European spirit and international reach of this important medieval route, which once connected England to Rome and extended onwards to Jerusalem. 

Why embark on this journey? 

The Via Francigena is more than a European cultural route—it is an experience of connection and discovery. It can be explored in its entirety or in shorter sections for those with limited time. In celebration of the 2025 Jubilee, this ancient path emerges as a symbol of hospitality and spirituality, bridging past and present. 

We encourage you to study the route, explore the hospitality network, and consult the soon-to-be-released regional guides available on these pages and social media channels. 

On the holiday season, we would like to extend our warmest wishes for a 2025 full of new projects and extraordinary adventures along the Via Francigena, on foot and by bicycle!

At the following link, you will find the letter of greetings from the EAVF President, Francesco Ferrari.

From 12 May to 12 June 2025, the Via Francigena will take centre stage in an initiative that blends tradition, innovation, and sustainability: Sosta&Gusta. This event, created by the Strada del Riso dei Tre Fiumi Association in collaboration with key partners such as Slow Food Lombardia, RiceHouse, AIDA, and others, celebrates the 80th anniversary of Carnaroli rice.

Through Sosta&Gusta, Carnaroli rice becomes an ambassador of universal values, weaving together past and future, culture and sustainability, while making a lasting impression along the journey towards the Agro-Environmental Jubilee of 2025.

Cristiana Sartori, president of the association and an organic rice farmer, together with naturalist and environmental hiking guide Piermaria Greppi, will embark on a unique journey: cycling nearly 2,000 km across England, France, Switzerland, and Italy, from London to Rome. Along the way, they will stop at 12 event locations along the Via Francigena, celebrating 80 years of Carnaroli rice, known as the “King of Rices,” while building a bridge between tradition, local heritage, and culinary culture.

Each stop will feature events centred on food and sustainability, including tastings, live cooking demonstrations, and moments for reflection. Among the key figures participating will be food cartoonist Roby Giannotti, who will creatively highlight the importance of rice and food as symbols of unity and awareness through his illustrations.

Objectives of the Initiative

Sosta&Gusta aims to promote slow and sustainable tourism, showcasing the Via Francigena not only as a historical-religious route but also as a pathway for cultural, environmental, and gastronomic discovery. Additionally, the event seeks to:

• Encourage slow tourism along the Via Francigena, one of the main Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, by promoting the regions it passes through, their stories, flavours, and local communities.
• Highlight the Stati Generali del Riso (International Rice Forum) to be held in Vigevano from 2–5 October 2025.
• Celebrate Carnaroli Classic Rice, marking its 80th anniversary and emphasising its global significance.
• Advocate for sustainability and raise awareness about the value of good, clean, and fair food as a tool for better living.
• Promote cutting-edge sustainable bio-construction techniques for environmental and lifestyle benefits.
• Build networks with key public and private stakeholders, fostering “positive activism” aligned with the values of the Laudato Si’ Encyclical for the Agro-Environmental Jubilee of 2025.

A Concrete Example of Circular Economy

A unique feature of the event will be the biomaterial living unit designed by RiceHouse, which will host Cristiana Sartori during her journey. This example of circular economy demonstrates the potential of rice not only as food but also as a resource for a more sustainable lifestyle.

Key Players

The initiative involves several key actors:

• Strada del Riso dei Tre Fiumi: An association dedicated to promoting the excellence of the Pavia region, focusing on high-quality Italian rice production. Its name references the Sesia, Ticino, and Po rivers, emphasising the environmental value of rice cultivation.
• Roby Giannotti: A food cartoonist, journalist, and architect, and co-creator of the Rice Angels, heroines who promote biodiversity, health, and nutrition, already featured in educational projects for schools.
• EAVF (European Association of Via Francigena): The official coordinator of the Via Francigena, recognised as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe. It connects 245 local entities, 92 associations, and over 400 economic operators across England, France, Switzerland, and Italy.
• RiceHouse S.r.l. SB: A company specialising in sustainable construction materials derived from rice processing waste. It will provide the biomaterial living unit for Cristiana Sartori.
• Piermaria Greppi: Piermaria Greppi, a naturalist and environmental hiking guide, as well as the founder of AVM Trekking, will document the entire event.
• AIDA (Italian Association of Agroecology): Led by Professor Stefano Bocchi from the University of Milan, AIDA will discuss sustainable cultivation techniques and the qualities of Carnaroli rice during the Stati Generali del Riso.
• Slow Food: An international movement advocating for good, clean, and fair food. It supports the project through the Slow Rice network, focused on sustainable rice production, with the involvement of the Vigevano and Lomellina branch in Italy.

A Message for the 2025 Jubilee

Francesco Ferrari, president of EAVF, highlighted the importance of the initiative:
“We immediately believed in the inspiring initiative by Strada del Riso dei Tre Fiumi for the important values it embodies. We have committed to providing essential organisational support, made possible by the network of relationships our transnational association has built over years of activity. The event is also a wonderful way to promote the Via Francigena and its local excellence during the 2025 Jubilee, combining ethical and spiritual values with key themes of culture, food, environment, quality of life, and sustainable tourism.”

Cristiana Sartori also stressed the project’s significance: “This event carries many values of great relevance: from promoting slow tourism to highlighting Italian rice cultivation in Europe with its historic risotto varieties; from celebrating the 80th anniversary of Carnaroli rice, known as the ‘King of Rice,’ to sharing, at a European level, a deeper awareness of the value of good, clean, and fair food as a tool for better living. This event will mark the start of a special year, the Agro-Environmental Jubilee, where we stand as Europe’s leading rice producers: Rice as ‘medicine for the body and soul’ in all its forms, through a circular economy that makes it a protagonist—from food to sustainable construction material: the true power of a single grain of rice!”

With Sosta&Gusta, Carnaroli Rice becomes an ambassador of universal values, intertwining past and future, culture and sustainability, and leaving a meaningful mark along the journey towards the Agro-Environmental Jubilee of 2025.

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.