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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.

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

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

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

There are many themes to consider needs of people. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It may also interest you:

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

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

The Historical Role of Calendasco and the Via Francigena

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

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

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

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

The Festival of Transitions: Cultures in Motion and Diversity

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

Education and School Engagement

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

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

A New Vision for the Future

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

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

For further information, visit:

• Official project website
• Instagram page
• Facebook page

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT WITH THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE

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

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

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

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

PROMOTION WITH THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM

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

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

ROME MUNICIPALITY’S CONTRIBUTION

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

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

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

Può interessarti anche:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo credits: Ministero del Turismo

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

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

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

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

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