Author: Redazione AEVF

The meeting takes place within an international three-day programme full of events, meetings, and a walk along the Via Francigena.

The autumn EAVF General Assembly will gather on 18th October in the Apulian town of Monte Sant’Angelo, in the province of Foggia, at the “Ciro Angelillis” Municipal Library Conference Hall, with the presence of institutional representatives and associations from England, France, Switzerland, and Italy.

Monte Sant’Angelo, known as the City of the two UNESCO sites, has been designated the 2024 Capital of Culture for Puglia. It is a significant pilgrimage destination linked to the cult of the Archangel Michael and an important stop on the Via Francigena, which in this section of the Gargano region crosses the territory in five stages, passing through Troia, Lucera, San Severo, Stignano, and San Giovanni Rotondo before reaching its destination in Monte Sant’Angelo.

The EAVF assembly returns to Puglia exactly five years later. In fact, it was on 18th October 2019 that the Via Francigena family gathered in Bari to vote on the historic decision to extend the Via Francigena in Southern Italy by 900 km, from Rome to Monte Sant’Angelo, Brindisi, and Santa Maria di Leuca, passing through Lazio, Campania, and Puglia.

The programme for the three days in October (17th, 18th, and 19th October), in addition to the assembly, includes a guided tour in the three languages of the participants, the concert “The Power of Music” by Franco Godono, and a walk along the Via Francigena. The assembly will address important agenda items, such as the extension of the ‘Francigena Britannica’ route from London to Canterbury, an update on the UNESCO dossier, sharing of projects in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee, and the presentation of international cooperation projects that EAVF is working on. There will also be a moment of remembrance for the late president Massimo Tedeschi, who passed away last June.

2024 is undoubtedly confirmed as the year of Puglia for the Via Francigena, a region investing a great deal of energy and resources into developing the Via Francigena in Southern Italy at cultural, tourist, and, most importantly, infrastructural levels regarding trails, signage, and hospitality. Puglia gained international attention from 4th to 7th June during the Training Academy on cultural itineraries hosted in Brindisi, organised by EAVF, with the support of the region, the municipality, and the Brindisi and Ancient Roads Association. Finally, Puglia hosted in September the Via Francigena walks and animation days between Bari and Brindisi, as part of the European Erasmus HIKE project in which EAVF is participating.

The assembly and events in Monte Sant’Angelo, which are open to all, are organised with the contribution of the Region and the Municipality. On 19 October morning, an ‘animated sung walk’ (“camminata animata cantata”) along a stretch of the Via Francigena is scheduled, organised by Italea Puglia in partnership with EAVF and the ‘Monte Sant’Angelo Francigena’ association.

The ‘camminata cantata’ is a format proposing an experience in contact with nature and stories made in Puglia. The ‘camminata cantata’ meets the memories of wayfarers and pilgrims, and with them peasants, shepherds, woodcutters who, for work and necessity, have travelled through these places over the centuries. Animating the musical incursions will be the group of Gargano singers led by musician, singer and researcher Pio Gravina. A convivial aperitif will close the experience.

On 29 September the EU project HIKE concluded its events in Italy along the Via Francigena in Southern Italy, the 900 km stretch of the route connecting Rome with Santa Maria di Leuca.

On 27 – 29 September over 160 participants took place in a 3-day celebration, which included walking, e-biking, various sports and cultural activities, as well as route maintenance and environmental actions. The warm weather allowed participants to enjoy a refreshing swim in the beautiful natural reserve of Torre Guaceto, after visiting the WWF ethical beach reserve that protects turtles and animals in distress. 

The activities, organized by the European Association of the Via Francigena (EAVF) in collaboration with the Puglia Region, partner municipalities, and the Association “Brindisi e le Antiche Strade”, aimed to promote healthy lifestyle and provide tools on how to stay fit thanks to walking along the routes. These events were conducted during the European Week of Sports, an EU-wide event focusing on health and benefits of sports.  

The events saw participation from international partners of the HIKE project – Paths of Greece and Culture Routes Society, coming from Greece and Turkey respectively, where the HIKE project will continue along the Via Egnatia and the Tolerance Way in October and November. 

On 29 September, HIKE collaborated with Plastic Free Brindisi for the Clean Up initiative, collectively cleaning the stretch between Punta del Serrone and Torre Punta Penne and raising awareness about plastic pollution and environmental care.  

On the same day was conducted a workshop focused on safety during the walks, featuring various experts with institutional greetings from the EAVF President Francesco Ferrari and Rosy Barretta, President of Brindisi e le Antiche Strade.  

The workshop provided participants with practical advice on choosing technical equipment by the environmental guide Claudio Focarazzo and Michael Bolognini, founder of the METHOD Wilderness Experience and Garmont ambassador; delved into psycho-physical preparation with Dr. Giampiero Sorace and Monica Fontanive. Travel blogger Anna Pernice shared her experience along the Via Francigena and Antonio Melcore about the hospitality along the route. Adriano Bolognese from the Mollare Mai association reflected on accessibility on the trail. 

For more information about upcoming HIKE events, please visit the HIKE website www.hike-project.eu.

To download photos from the second HIKE weekend, click here. 

Over 100 participants took part in the first HIKIng weekend in the Italian Province of Bari, Puglia on 12 – 15 September. Organized by the European Association of the Via Francigena in collaboration with the Puglia Region and partner municipalities, the events kicked in as part of the European Erasmus Sport project “HIKE”. 

The HIKE project embraces a holistic approach, combining walking, culture, and sports to offer participants a well-rounded experience. Over three days, hikers on the Southern Via Francigena journeyed from Bari to Monopoli, with each stage enriched by culture and sports. From practicing yoga on the seafront and exploration of the historical Angioino Castle offered by Visit Mola di Bari, the Pino Pascali Modern Art Foundation in Polignano, and the underground air-raid shelters in Monopoli, the experience merged physical activity with cultural discovery. The journey culminated in a unique boat experience aboard the MyWave catamaran, generously offered by InfoPoint Monopoli, showcasing how walking, culture, and sports can harmoniously blend to enhance both physical and mental well-being. 

The participants were also offered to measure their blood pressure and heart rate before and after the walks to assess their health status as well as understand a test of psycho-physical health.   

The series of events in Puglia began on 12 September with a workshop focused on physical preparation for hiking. Experts from various fields, including representatives from the region and the University of Bari gathered for two productive hours of open dialogue with the public. The discussions covered a range of topics such as signage, nutrition, technical gear, walking safety, and the impact of over-tourism, as well as the role of institutions in developing the route. 

On the first day, the group covered the stage from Bari to Mola di Bari, walking among ancient olive trees, vineyards, and the sound of the sea in the background, accompanied by the Via Francigena Canosa Association. The next stages were from Mola to Polignano a Mare on 14 September and from Polignano to Monopoli on 15 September. Alongside the AEVF staff, journalists, bloggers, and participants from Greece and the USA joined the walk, showing how the journey brings people together and creates cultural connections. 

Click here to download photographs and presentations of the workshops

At the end of each day, the large group was warmly welcomed by local authorities, who also expressed their commitment to taking greater care of the route, its signage, and hospitality. 

“Three wonderful days to introduce the Via Francigena to local communities, to walk together while having fun, to meet public administrations and associations. But also to support intercultural dialogue with the international partners of the HIKE project who will join us in Brindisi!” commented AEVF Director Luca Bruschi.  

The HIKE project returns to Puglia on 27 – 29 September to walk from Torre Canne (Fasano) to Brindisi. Limited spots are still available. For the full programme and bookings, click here. 

The SGR Francigena APS association is pleased to announce the opening of a new hostel located in the historic heart of San Giovanni Rotondo, in the province of Foggia, along the Southern Francigena route that crosses Puglia. This space, designed exclusively for hikers and pilgrims traveling on foot, offers a unique opportunity to experience the Via Francigena in an authentic and charming setting.

The hostel is housed in one of the medieval towers on Corso Giacomo Matteotti 107, a place steeped in history and charm. Immersed in the historical atmosphere of San Giovanni Rotondo, the new hostel serves as a strategic point of rest for pilgrims traveling along the Via Francigena, providing a refreshing pause in the middle of their journey.

Designed with comfort and simplicity, the hostel features 10 beds in a shared dormitory. Pilgrims will have access to a bathroom and a kitchen where they can prepare meals and refresh after a long day of walking. While maintaining an essential structure, the hostel is tailored to meet the basic needs of travelers, fostering moments of rest and interaction among fellow walkers.

With a cost of only €15 per person, the hostel aims to be accessible to all pilgrims, maintaining a spirit of solidarity and hospitality. This affordable rate allows travelers to continue their journey without straining their budget, offering quality service at a favorable price.

Reservations and Information

To reserve a bed, booking requests must be submitted through an online form, available at the following link: Hostel Torre Francigena Booking Form.

The SGR Francigena APS association is thrilled to offer this new accommodation point for pilgrims and to contribute to the revitalization of the Via Francigena as a path of faith, culture, and journey.

An initiative organised by the Association “Gruppo dei Dodici – ODV” to promote the southern section of the Via Francigena in Lazio. The 2024 edition will begin on the 16th of September from Teano and will end on the 2nd of October with the arrival in Rome, at St. Peter’s Basilica.

What is the “International Walk”?

It is a walk/pilgrimage aimed at pilgrims from other countries around the world. Organised annually, it covers approximately 281 km, passing through the symbolic locations of the Via Francigena in Southern Italy, highlighting its architectural, scenic, cultural, and spiritual beauty. As in previous editions, this year around 20 pilgrims from various parts of the world (USA, Taiwan, Denmark, and Spain) will participate. The group will be guided by the staff of the Association, who will accompany the pilgrims along the entire route, offering them all the necessary support.

The International Walk has been recognised as an initiative of high cultural and social value. Last year, it received international recognition, the CT AWARDS 2024 in Stuttgart, with the following motivation: “People and projects that see travel not just as an experience, but as a way of building bridges between different cultures and encouraging mutual tolerance.”

Objectives of the International Walk 2024

The event aims to best promote the beauty of the locations, the warmth of the people, the charm of archaeological sites, the artistic uniqueness, and the mystical places encountered along the Via Francigena in southern Lazio, all the way to St. Peter’s Basilica.

In this edition, as per tradition, we propose that the group of pilgrims meet the locals through the voice of their institutional representatives and local associations. In fact, 23 municipalities will be involved, two of which are in Campania and all the others in Lazio. These meetings take place through moments of welcome organised by the local administrations and associations, either upon the arrival or departure of each stage of the programme. In this way, by welcoming the walking pilgrims, it will be possible to highlight how hospitality underscores the bond that communities have with travellers passing through our beautiful localities.

As in previous years, the walk and the pilgrims’ experiences will be documented via the social media channels of Gruppo dei Dodici:

Facebook: @Gruppo dei Dodici
Instagram: @gruppodeidodici

For more information:
info@gruppodeidodici.eu
www.gruppodeidodici.eu

In preparation for the Jubilee of 2025, St Peter’s Basilica has introduced a welcome centre service for pilgrims arriving in Rome along the Roman roads.

Since May 2024, the Fabbrica di San Pietro has launched a volunteer project in collaboration with the Via Romea Strata and the Homo Viator Foundation – San Teobaldo, to train volunteers and welcome pilgrims arriving in Rome at the end of their pilgrimage. The volunteers support the Basilica staff and greet the wayfarers with great empathy and smiles, fostering an exchange of humanity and warmth.

At this welcome centre in St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, pilgrims can collect the Testimonium, the certificate that certifies the completion of the pilgrimage to Rome devotionis causa. It is available to all those who have walked at least 100 km or cycled 200 km, as evidenced by the stamps on their credentials.

“We are truly proud of this agreement, as it allows us to support the organisation that represents and manages the reception of half of all the pilgrims arriving in Rome, regardless of the path each person takes,” says Aleksandra Grbic, coordinator of Romea Strata for the Homo Viator Foundation. “At the moment, we have 70 volunteers who have started their training and will be operational in a few days, but the door to volunteering is always open, and I encourage everyone to look into this opportunity with enthusiasm.”

In addition to the dedicated access route for pilgrims in St Peter’s Square, which is clearly marked with signs and totems, and the Pilgrim’s Mass, which is celebrated daily for them, a system has been set up to digitise and systematise the collection of arrival data and the issuance of the Testimonium certificate.

On Thursday, 29 August, a meeting took place at the Fabbrica di San Pietro in the Vatican between Mario Bosco, head of the welcome service, and Luca Bruschi, director of EAVF, to discuss the important implementation of services for pilgrims and to talk about upcoming activities in preparation for the Jubilee. The goal is to provide an ever more dedicated welcome to pilgrims arriving in Rome, whether on foot or by bicycle. The number of arrivals in 2024 has increased compared to the previous year, particularly with respect to international visitors.

The welcome centre is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 07:30 to 18:00, and on Wednesday from 13:00 to 18:00.

For enquiries and bookings, contact the relevant office:
Email: accoglienza@fsp.va.
Tel. +39 06 6982 (switchboard), ask for extension 82137
Mobile: +39 366 5775511

All information about volunteer opportunities is available at www.romeastrata.org.

The framework agreement between the two associations aims to make the Italian section of the Via Francigena increasingly accessible and inclusive, enhancing the historical, natural, and environmental aspects of the territories it crosses.

The European Association of the Via Francigena ways (EAVF) and the Italian Alpine Club (CAI) have signed a framework collaboration agreement to promote, enhance, and develop sustainable tourism and outdoor activities related to the Via Francigena.

Among the activities planned for the next three years are the maintenance and improvement of the routes, optimisation of signage and hiking information boards, revision of maps and cartography, and the organisation of events, seminars, and educational and training activities. Every project will be driven by the shared goal of making the Via Francigena increasingly accessible and inclusive, actively involving local communities and institutions at regional, national, and European levels.

Founded in Turin in 1863, CAI is a national association dedicated to promoting mountaineering and safeguarding the mountain environment, with a widespread presence across Italy. This mission finds a perfect complement in the broader European scope of the EAVF, which has been recognised as the réseau porteur of the Via Francigena by the Council of Europe since 2007, tasked with promoting and developing the cultural route that connects Canterbury to Santa Maria di Leuca.

“The Framework Agreement between the Italian Alpine Club and the European Association of the Via Francigena represents a significant milestone, the result of a long and fruitful dialogue between our organisations,” stated Francesco Ferrari, EAVF President. “I would like to thank the President and the leadership of CAI for their willingness and collaboration. This synergy will allow us to strengthen a relationship of cooperation and coordination, especially in the field of sustainable tourism and the promotion of the Via Francigena. In particular, being able to rely on CAI’s expertise and experience in the maintenance and preservation of routes is an enormous added value to ensure the safety and quality of the Italian section of the Via Francigena.”

“We are convinced that synergies between associations and institutions are essential for the protection of the landscape resources of the territories and for their historical-natural and tourism-environmental enhancement,” said Laura Colombo, Vice President of the Italian Alpine Club. “With the EAVF, we aim to develop a collaborative relationship that is not episodic, through which we can promote slow and sustainable tourism in the Italian territories crossed by the Via Francigena.”

Through this collaboration, the EAVF and CAI aim to strengthen the cultural, historical, and natural value of the Via Francigena, while ensuring an increasingly rich and safe experience for today’s and future walkers.

The General Assembly in Fidenza, held on 30 July in memory of our beloved President Massimo Tedeschi, saw the unanimous nomination of President Francesco Ferrari.

Please find below the President’s letter to the EAVF Members and Friends.

Since last April, EAVF has been a partner in the European HIKE project, aiming to promote healthy and sustainable lifestyles and to encourage hiking as a tool for well-being and personal development. The project organizes free cultural and sporting activities, open to all, over three months along the Via Francigena in Italy in September, the Via Egnatia in Greece in October, and the Tolerance way in Turkey in November (check the details here).

The HIKE-branded initiatives will kick off in September with a full schedule of walks and events along the Via Francigena in Southern Italy in Apulia, organized by EAVF in collaboration with the Apulia Region and the involved municipalities. Among the numerous activities, there are two workshops focused on physical preparation and safety during the walk, which are fundamental aspects for those approaching the world of slow tourism, whether on foot or by bike, and not only. Guides, experts in hiking and trekking, doctors, nutritionists, and travel bloggers will take turns in a series of meetings to offer practical advice and effective strategies for making the most of an outdoor activity lasting one or more days.

📌 Check the HIKE calendar in Apulia HERE

Two Moments of Discussion and Sharing

Specifically, the first weekend of walks in Apulia will see participants covering the stages connecting Bari to Monopoli, and will be inaugurated on Thursday, September 12 at 5 PM at the University of Bari (Sala del Consiglio del Dipartimento di Studi Classici di Bari Vecchia, Str. della Torretta 31, 70122 Bari) with a workshop dedicated to physical preparation for hikes. During the workshop, topics such as pre-hike training, the importance of endurance and muscle strength, and specific stretching techniques to prevent injuries will be discussed, while expert nutritionists will provide tips on how to eat before, during, and after physical activity, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet to maintain energy and focus during the walk.

The meetings will feature official greetings from representatives of the University of Bari, the host municipality, and the Region, with an introduction by Simona Spinola, EAVF’s communications manager and the HIKE project.

Speakers at the meeting include:

• Lorenzo Lozito, Environmental Guide
• Michael Bolognini, METHOD Wilderness Experience
• Rosa Grassi, Pilgrim and Host
• Dr. Domenico Meleleo, Nutritionist
• Nico Colucci, Travel Blogger @ilcamminodelcretino

The second weekend will see participants walking and cycling the stages of the Francigena that connect Torre Canne (Fasano) to Brindisi, where on Sunday, September 29, a workshop on safety during hikes will be held at the Conference Hall of the Accademia degli Erranti (Via Giovanni Tarantini, 35, 72100 Brindisi). Safety on the trail is another crucial topic, where trekking and hiking experts will share useful advice, from choosing the right equipment to understanding the terrain, covering orientation techniques and risk management, as well as tips on dealing with adverse weather conditions and emergency situations.

Speakers at the meeting include:

• Claudio Focarazzo, Environmental Guide
• Michael Bolognini, METHOD Wilderness Experience
• Dr. Monica Fontanavive, Wellness Coach, Association of Experts in Promoting Bicycle Mobility
• Dr. Giampiero Sorace, Sports Medicine Doctor
• Adriano Bolognese, Mollare Mai Association
• Antonio Melcore, Brindisi and Antiche Strade
• Anna Pernice, Travel Blogger @anna_pernice

Both meetings will be moderated by Angelofabio Attolico from the Apulia Region Tourism Department and introduced by Simona Spinola, EAVF’s communication manager for the HIKE project. The meetings will include official greetings from local authorities, institutions, and associations such as the University of Bari and the Brindisi Antiche Strade Association.

Participating in these workshops means embarking on a journey that goes beyond simply walking: it’s an opportunity for personal growth, enhancing one’s physical and mental well-being, and acquiring new skills. The integration of physical activity, learning, and cultural discovery makes the HIKE project a unique experience, capable of leaving a lasting impact on anyone who takes part.

These workshops not only prepare participants to experience hiking in a more conscious and safe way but also guide them on a path of overall well-being, where body and mind meet in harmony with nature.

📌 Check the workshop program HERE

📌 Sign up for HIKE walks and events by clicking HERE

Three England bishops walk part of the recently established pilgrimage and walking route which now links London directly to Rome.

On July 10^th Bishops from London, Southwark, and Dover joined the charity, Pilgrims to Rome, at the Scoop on the Southbank, which itself now forms part of the new route, to celebrate the launch of the recently established walking and pilgrimage route – the Francigena Britannica.

“I was delighted to join my fellow Bishops of London and Southwark to symbolise the important connection between our respective dioceses as part of the proposed Francigena Brittanica.  This extension of the well-established Via Francigena will give future pilgrims the opportunity to begin their passage in London, following in the steps of those who have journeyed through the ages to visit the shrine of St Thomas Becket in Canterbury. I pray that those travelling these historic pathways will be truly blessed and uplifted by their experience.”  

Bishop of Dover, Rose Hudson-Wilkin

Bishops Sarah Mullaly, Rose Hudson-Wilkin, and Christopher Chessun showed their support for pilgrimage both within the UK but also beyond, by helping Pilgrims to Rome to celebrate this new walking route which now joins London to the Eternal City.

“It was great to join friends on just a small part of the new Francigena Britannica pilgrimage. I am overjoyed to see the Via Francigena extended, and can think of few better places to renew one’s connection with God and the natural world than from the lofty spires of Southwark Cathedral to the tranquil rolling hills of the North Downs Way. I offer my prayers for all who embark on this special journey.”

Bishop of London, Sarah Mullaly.

The Francigena Britannica is a 146km northern extension of the well-established, Council of Europe approved, Via Francigena, which already extends 2000kms from Canterbury to the Vatican City.  Within the UK, the Via Francigena will now cover 177kms crossing London, Dartford, Canterbury and Dover.

“In today’s busy and demanding times, pilgrimage – the act of slowing down, concentrating on the journey, rather than rushing to the destination – is more important than ever. It’s a great joy to mark the extension of the Francigena Britannica to London – and I hope that many will take up the opportunity to slow down and invite God into their journey.”

Bishop of Southwark, Christopher Chessun

The Francigena Britannica was developed on behalf of Pilgrims to Rome, by its current President, G Carlo Laurenzi OBE with help from fellow trustees and other volunteers.

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