Category: news_en

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

The project “The Via Francigena in Lombardy towards the Jubilee 2025” has been launched, made possible by the contribution of the Lombardy Region and supported by the Province of Pavia, the Province of Lodi, and the Municipality of Orio Litta. The aim is to enhance the Lombard section of the Via Francigena. This cultural route, which crosses Europe from Canterbury to Rome and continues to the ports of Puglia, spans the Lombardy region between the provinces of Pavia and Lodi, covering about 150 km divided into five stages. After crossing alpine and hilly landscapes, the Lombard Francigena offers flat landscapes among rice fields, rivers, and countryside, with routes suitable for everyone, both walkers and cyclists.

The collaboration stems from the common desire to meet the needs of pilgrims who will walk the ancient route to Rome in 2025 for the Jubilee. Among the planned initiatives is the improvement of signage in the Province of Lodi, in compliance with the Signage Handbook approved by EAVF and the regions crossed by the Francigena. This project adds to the Pavia section already completed in 2022 in collaboration with the Province of Pavia. Training sessions are also planned for public and private entities in the involved provinces, aimed at promoting the route, improving hospitality, enhancing services, and valuing the cultural heritage along the way.

Informational materials will be created for pilgrims, who will be able to consult maps and brochures containing technical details of the stages and points of historical interest. The partnership also includes the creation of a “Guide to Accessibility on the Via Francigena,” developed with experts and associations dealing with disability along the routes, with the aim of making the path increasingly inclusive. Additionally, the Via Francigena magazine plans a special feature dedicated to the Lombardy Region, to be presented in December 2024. “EAVF strengthens its collaboration with the Lombardy Region, which I remind you was the first European region to join the association twenty years ago,” comments AEVF President Francesco Ferrari. “This contribution represents an important institutional attention that emphasizes the Francigena route in the provinces of Pavia and Lodi, with particular focus on signage, training, and accessibility. I thank the Lombardy Region for its ongoing commitment to the development of the Via Francigena and for its trust in EAVF, a network that now involves 244 local authorities and regions at the European level.”

The project activities, in the year of the 30th anniversary of the Via Francigena’s certification as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe (1994-2024), aim to further structure the route and provide useful tools in preparation for the Jubilee Year 2025. The project also fits into the context of the UNESCO candidacy of the Via Francigena and involves all the municipalities crossed by the route in Lombardy.

“We are proud to support the project ‘The Via Francigena in Lombardy towards the Jubilee 2025’, which offers an important opportunity to enhance the cultural heritage of our territory,” comments Lombardy Region Councillor Francesca Caruso. “This historic route not only represents a link between tradition and spirituality but also promotes local economic development. We are committed to making the route accessible to everyone, improving signage, and offering adequate informational tools. Thanks to the collaboration between the involved entities, we are confident we can best welcome pilgrims in 2025, offering an inclusive and meaningful experience for all.”

“As one of the founding members of the Association, the Province of Lodi has been supporting and collaborating in all initiatives that enhance the Via Francigena route in its territory for over twenty years, and in this project, it has also decided to play an active role in involving public and private entities, both through a new mapping of signage on the historic route and through training and updating courses to be held next autumn”, says the President of the Province of Lodi Fabrizio Santantonio.

“I am proud to be able to continue supporting this project, started some time ago by my predecessor,” comments the Mayor of Orio Litta Alessandro Ciusani. “For me, it’s like boarding a moving train, but I am happy to see that it is a locomotive heading at full speed towards the goal. With the Jubilee approaching, it is more important than ever to help today’s travelers walk the path, and this also brings opportunities for economic and cultural development for the territory: for this reason, it is essential to network administrations and private entities as the project strives to do.”

“I extend my congratulations to the European Association of the Via Francigena ways for funding the project ‘The Via Francigena in Lombardy towards the Jubilee 2025’, which includes a substantial program of training, information, dissemination, and assistance to pilgrims, with particular attention to accessibility for people with disabilities,” adds the President of the Province of Pavia Giovanni Palli. “The Province of Pavia is actively involved in the process of developing and utilizing the Via Francigena in its territory, involving new entities that can contribute to spreading knowledge and increasing local hospitality, and therefore will participate with conviction, contributing to data collection and information and facilitating the meeting of the target groups of the project activities.”

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.

Press release and contacts

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

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

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

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

DISCOVER THE FREE “HIKE” PROGRAMME IN APULIA REGION, ITALY!

In the framework of the European project HIKE, the EAVF engages to promote healthy and sustainable lifestyles. 

Together with the international partners of the European project HIKE, the EAVF commits to promote healthier lifestyles via hiking. That is why we prepared two weekends full of free events open to everyone, including walks  led by experienced guides, sports and cultural activities, meetings, and workshops. Here are the dates to mark on your calendar:

• September 12-15, 2024: between Bari and Monopoli
• September 27-29, 2024: between Torre Canne (Fasano) and Brindisi

Check out the full program here and sign up for one or more events by filling out this form.

All scheduled events have been designed and organized by the European Association of the Via Francigena, in collaboration with the official project partners: Regione Puglia, Università di Bari, CAI Viterbo; the municipalities of Bari, Mola di Bari, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Fasano, Ostuni, Carovigno, and Brindisi, and the Association Brindisi and the Ancient Roads.

The first HIKE weekend will begin on Thursday, September 12, at the University of Bari with a workshop on physical preparation, led by experts in hiking, training, and nutrition. On Friday, September 13, the hike from Bari to Mola di Bari (10 km) will start, covering one of the most spectacular stretches of the Southern Via Francigena. Upon arrival, participants can choose between a yoga session next to the Angioino Castle or a guided tour of the castle. On Saturday, September 14, the route will continue from Mola di Bari to Polignano a Mare (16 km), including a cultural visit to the Museum and the Pino Pascali Foundation. The first HIKE weekend will conclude on Sunday, September 15, with the stage from Polignano a Mare to Monopoli (12 km), featuring beautiful sea views, a stop at Torre Incina for a swim, and a demonstration of sport fishing in Monopoli.

The second HIKE weekend in Puglia will start on Friday, September 27, with an 18 km e-bike route from Torre Canne (Fasano) to Ostuni, including a cultural visit to the archaeological park of Santa Maria di Agnano. On Saturday, September 28, we will meet at Torre Santa Sabina to walk to Torre Guaceto, with a stop at the Marine Turtle Recovery Center. Upon arrival, we will explore the area of the nature reserve, take a refreshing swim in the sea, and try snorkeling (a paid activity). The weekend will conclude on Sunday, September 29, with the stage from Punta del Serrone to Brindisi, where, on the occasion of the European Week of Sport, numerous recreational and cultural activities are planned, such as muscle warm-up sessions and a kayak trial. Finally, we will reach the Accademia degli Erranti for a workshop on safety during excursions.

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

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

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

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

Via Francigena and the University of Siena: these two millennial realities come together to create a project dedicated to pilgrims and the local community.

“THE UNIVERSITY AT THE HEART OF THE VIA FRANCIGENA” is the name of the project launched within the University of Siena, which includes a new stamping point for pilgrims’ credentials and guided events to discover the university’s locations that intersect with the Via Francigena in Siena.

Among the objectives of the initiative is to make the Rectorate of the University of Siena an official stop for stamping the Pilgrim’s credential with a specially created logo and stamp. In this way, pilgrims can discover the treasures linked to the University of Siena, primarily the Rectorate Palace. It will be possible to stop inside the courtyard and take advantage of the break to watch a video illustrating the history and culture of the University and its locations.

The idea was conceived by Laura Carletti, Barbara Terrosi, and Francesco Chiassai from the Department of Physical, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, along with Paolo Fiorenzani, Elena Giannozzi, and Elisabetta Rubbioli from the Department of Pharmaceutical Biology and Chemistry.

“The project is about the valorization of knowledge, one of the strengths of our University, and it also aims to represent the journey undertaken by our academic community. The many cultural events organized will offer all participants an opportunity for cultural enrichment, visiting places of extraordinary beauty and value,” say L. Carletti, P. Fiorenzani, and E. Giannozzi.

The project is aimed not only at travelers but also at employees, students, especially those from outside the city, who can take advantage of the initiative to get to know the city of Siena and its territory. A nighttime walk along the city route of the Via Francigena — from Porta Romana to Porta Camollia — is scheduled for September 26, accompanied by a historical description of this part of the route, as part of the Bright 2024 project.

The initiative could become an annual event, open to the entire academic community as a moment of gathering.

“We are happy and honored that the project has been welcomed, and we hope it will be an opportunity to promote our University and our city, instilling pride in belonging to this academic community,” conclude F. Chiassai, E. Rubbioli, and B. Terrosi.

Also collaborating were colleagues: Marco Leoncini, Art Designer of the stamp image, and Andrea Machetti, Dr. Cristina Sampieri, Kinesiologist of MUOVERSI, a former University start-up, the MAM Museum (Monteriggioni Archaeological Museum), and the European Association of the Via Francigena.

The magnificent city of Siena, the provincial capital of Tuscany and an AEVF member municipality, rises on a hill nestled between the valleys of the Arbia and Elsa rivers. It is one of the most frequented and beloved places by travelers along the entire European route of the Via Francigena.