Via Francigena

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The “Stop & Taste” project returns: a way to fully experience the Via Francigena!

The “Stop & Taste”, the initiative featuring parmesan cheese as a protagonist, also returns for 2024 to discover local flavors along the Via Francigena, thanks to the agreement between the European Association of the Via Francigena ways (EAVF), the Consortium of Parmigiano Reggiano, and the Official Magazine of the Via Francigena curated by Studio Guidotti Editore. This partnership allows pilgrims who join the Consortium’s community to taste single portions of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, discovering its characteristics and various aging processes.

The initiative, born in 2017, is the result of collaboration between two protagonists of the good life: on one hand, the Via Francigena, a UNESCO heritage candidate, and on the other hand, the excellence of Parmigiano Reggiano, universally recognized for its uniqueness and useful ally for those who love outdoor activities, thanks to its extraordinary digestibility and readily available energy.

At the moment, it is possible to “stop and taste” in 5 markets, 41 restaurants, 20 dairies, as well as in some IAT (Tourist Information Office) points distributed throughout the province of Parma:

  • Fidenza: Tourist Office IAT Casa Cremonini Piazza Duomo, tel. +39 524 83377
    From April to October: every day, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
    From November to March: from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Closed on Mondays. Closed on December 25th and 26th and January 1st.
  • Fornovo di Taro: Tourist Office IAT Via XXIV Maggio 2, tel. +39 346 9536300 Open all year round from Monday to Sunday.
    From Monday to Friday 8:30 am/12:30 pm – 3:00 pm/5:00 pm; Saturday 8:30 am/12:30 pm; Sunday 9:00 am/12:00 pm.
  • Berceto: Ostello Passo della Cisa, Strada Statale della Cisa 89 Berceto PR. Tel. 0525 64153

Starting this year, pilgrims registered with the Consortium community will receive complimentary single portions of MITO Parmigiano Reggiano, the list of affiliated IAT points, and many surprises such as discounts and recipe books!

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The EAVF General Assembly was celebrated in Vevey with an extraordinary cultural program

From April 25th to 27th, the European Association of the Via Francigena ways held its annual General Assembly in Vevey, Switzerland, with the presence of numerous members from the four countries crossed by the Via Francigena: the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, and Italy. This highly attended international meeting took place within the prestigious salle del Castillo, overlooking Lake Geneva.

Following the official greetings from Mayor Yvan Luccarini and Vincent Bailly, representative of Lavaux Patrimoine Mondial, the assembly commenced with the presentation of a diploma by EAVF Vice President Francesco Ferrari to the municipal administration of Vevey for joining the association.

In plenary session, numerous important agenda items were discussed, starting with the approval of the budget forecasts and the financial statements. Also highlighted was the quadrennial evaluation by the Council of Europe for the confirmation of the European certification of the Via Francigena, which, in 2024, marks its 30th anniversary of this recognition. A new section of the website www.viefrancigene.org is dedicated to these thirty years of history, featuring a timeline of the most significant events during this period and a collection of written thoughts and reflections. The page is also enriched with material that, work in progress, narrates the Via Francigena in a social media version. Lastly, the Vevey Declaration is included, affirming the AEVF Assembly’s commitment to continue the promotion, dialogue, and cooperation on the Via Francigena.

During the assembly, strategic projects concerning the Via Francigena in the national sections were shared: particular attention was given to the progress of the approval process for the Via Britannica, a historic itinerary from London to Canterbury within the AEVF network. Additionally, developments of the emerging Itinerary Committee, which will be officially launched on June 18, 2024, in Troyes, France, for better governance of the French stretch, connecting the eight departments and three regions involved.

An important moment of the GA was dedicated to welcoming new members joining the international network. Besides the Swiss municipality of Vevey (Vaud), the French municipality of Braux-le-Châtel (Haute Marne, Grand Est), and the Italian municipalities of San Rocco al Porto (Lodi, Lombardy) and Formia (Latina, Lazio) were welcomed. The total number of members now stands at 243, including municipalities, provinces, and regions. Two new “friendly” associations were also welcomed: Pro Loco Oriese APS (Orio Litta, Lombardy) and Accoglienza Pellegrina (Valpromaro, Tuscany), bringing the total to 92 members.

In addition to the assembly, participants had the opportunity to engage in various activities offering a comprehensive immersion into the cultural heritage of the Via Francigena, with a focus on the city of Vevey and this splendid Swiss stretch of the route.

The three-day program kicked off with the theatrical performance “Legend of Sigerico”, staged by the beloved company (Italian-French) directed by Carlo Boso. Spectators were transported back in time through the adventures of Sigerico, Bishop of Canterbury, in a captivating narrative crafted in the style of commedia dell’arte. Knowledge of the territory was also imparted through gastronomy, with a tasting of local wines and fondue, in a convivial and welcoming atmosphere. The tourist part included two significant moments: a guided tour of the city, in three languages, allowing participants to discover Vevey’s hidden treasures, from its charming architecture to its picturesque streets, offering a comprehensive overview of the city’s life and history. Particularly appreciated was the walk through the villages and vineyards along the beautiful stretch of the Via Francigena between Lausanne and Vevey. The cultural landscape characterizing this route is one of the most iconic and breathtaking points of the entire European journey: here lie the famous vineyards recognized by UNESCO for their perfect integration between the ecosystem and an authentic and dynamic civilization.

Among the cultural events, two were highlighted: the Conference on Cultural Itineraries in Switzerland, during which experts shared knowledge about the cultural itineraries traversing Switzerland, exploring their cultural, social, touristic, and economic implications; and the exhibition featuring panels on the Via Francigena, at the Market Square. Participants had the honor of attending the opening of the exhibition illustrating the history and heritage of the Via Francigena through a rich selection of photos with 16 informative panels aimed at the general public. This exhibition fits well within the celebrations of the thirty years of the Via Francigena, a European cultural itinerary.

The three-day event was organized with the support of the Vevey municipal administration and the Association Via Francigena Suisse.

Members will reconvene in Monte Sant’Angelo, Puglia, for the next AEVF autumn assembly.

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The Via Francigena welcomes the European Cultural Routes Training Academy in Brindisi

From 4 to 7 June, more than 80 representatives from 21 countries and 37 certified Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe will participate in the European Cultural Routes Training Academy in Brindisi.
The Region of Apulia and the City of Brindisi as Capital of the European Cultural Routes

The 11th edition of the Training Academy on the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe will take place in Brindisi, at the Accademia degli Erranti – Statio Peregrinorum, from 4 to 7 June 2024, organised by the European Institute of Cultural Routes (EICR) and the European Association of the Vie Francigena ways (EAVF), the supporting network of the Via Francigena, with the support of the Region of Apulia, the Municipality of Brindisi, and in collaboration with the Association ‘Brindisi e le Antiche Strade’.

This event is organised as part of the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the Via Francignea, Cultural Route of the Council of Europe 1994-2024. The theme of the Training Academy 2024 will be “European cooperation and sustainable development”, with an important focus on the best practices of the Via Francigena presenting good practices along the route.

The aim of the Training Academy in Brindisi is to provide operators of the Cultural Routes with training on specific topical issues in the field of cultural heritage management and tourism promotion.

The Cultural Routes Training Academy offers practical approaches through the participation of academic or professional experts with whom Cultural Route operators can exchange views. The four days of training and exchanges aim at enhancing cooperation between the operators and managers of the Routes.

Participation is limited to representatives of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe.

More than 80 representatives from as many as 37 certified Cultural Routes and 21 countries participate in this international event.

Discover the programme:
https://rm.coe.int/2024-training-academy-draft-programme-21march/1680af084c

Contacts: training.academy@viefrancigene.org

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Francigena Fidenza Festival 2024. The fourth edition closes looking at Canterbury

The Francigena Fidenza Festival 2024 has closed the curtain after four vibrant days with great participation of the general public. It was a long “cultural bridge” connecting northern Europe with the Mediterranean via the city of Fidenza, which is located exactly halfway along the route (3,200 km long) and has been home to the headquarters of the European Association of the Via Francigena ways (EAVF) since 2001.

A glimpse of the 2024 edition

From April 11 to 14, the Festival hosted 50 outreach events, in-depth talks, scientific meetings, talks of national relevance, animations, music, and many hikes to discover the European cultural route of the Via Francigena.

On the morning of the closing day, an impressive 300 people set out on the Fidenza-Costamezzana-Medesano-Fornovo stretch for the “Lenti alla Meta” event.

The presence of Connie Nolan, city councilor of the city of Canterbury, gave great international relevance to the Festival and laid the groundwork for future collaborations with local governments, associations, and schools with a view to dialogue and cooperation. Nolan was received by Fidenza Mayor Andrea Massari and Councillor Maria Pia Bariggi. She also met with the mayors of Cadeo, Fiorenzuola, and Calendasco (Marica Toma, Romeo Gandolfi, Filippo Zangrandi), three municipalities located in the province of Piacenza. A special moment of discussion took place with the EAVF, the Festival’s partner, in the presence of President Massimo Tedeschi, Vice President Francesco Ferrari, and the entire Via Francigena staff.

AEVF contributed to the Festival with the organisation of three significant cultural and entertainment events: the Roveleto di Cadeo-Fiorenzuola-Fidenza walking relay on 12 and 13 April, which made it possible to visit abbeys and points of great historical and artistic interest; the workshop on the ‘Camminini in Emilia-Romagna’ (walking routes in Emilia-Romagna) on 12 April, in collaboration with APT Emilia-Romagna; and the scientific conference ‘Via Francigena towards UNESCO certification’ on 13 April, in collaboration with the University of Parma.

The Festival has reached its fourth edition and has now become not only a reference appointment,
but also a good practice to be made known throughout
the European network of Via Francigena ways.


We would like to thank the partners who supported us during the event for their cooperation: CAMCO, Garmont, and Ferrino, who have long been on the road with us to improve the experience of wayfarers 👣

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Historic Pilgrim Hostel Reopens in Siena, Tuscany

“CASA DELLE BALIE” REOPENS. A NEW BEGINNING FOR HOSPITALITY FOR PILGRIMS AND HIKERS IN SIENA.

Sigerico SpA, in collaboration with the Municipality of Siena, is pleased to announce the reopening of the “Casa delle Balie”, the first and historic hostel dedicated to pilgrims walking the Via Francigena and the Via Lauretana, as well as to all hiking tourists. After a period of inactivity due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the temporary hospitality offered to Ukrainian women fleeing the war, the facility will be active from Friday 29 March 2024, marking an important return to normality and tourism in close contact with nature, culture and art.

The “Casa delle Balie”, once a refuge for abandoned children and today a hub of hospitality for wayfarers, sportsmen and women of the Strade Bianche and temporary inhabitants of sustainability, is a landmark in Siena, located in the suggestive alley of San Girolamo, in the heart of the historic centre, a few steps from the Siena Cathedral and integrated into the Santa Maria della Scala complex. Its history, which sees it rooted in the social and cultural fabric of the city as a place of welcome, is renewed today with its reopening. An unmissable stop for those looking for an authentic experience in the heart of one of the most fascinating centres in Italy, a reference point for walks and slow tourism.

“Thanks to the work done in synergy with Sigerico, we are making available to pilgrims again a place of welcome and hospitality, which is a historic location full of strong symbolic meaning. Connected to the Santa Maria della Scala complex, the “Casa delle Balie” played a precise social and solidarity role for the city, welcoming children abandoned by their families. Over time the building has changed its original purpose becoming a refuge for wayfarers. In recent times, however, the welfare nature of this space has continued, hosting young Ukrainian women who have fled the war in this very house. Today a new cycle begins, a cycle dedicated to the traveller, to those who stop in our wonderful lands through a unique urban stretch of the Via Francigena”.

Nicoletta Fabio, Mayor of Siena
The Accommodation

With a capacity of 25 beds spread across five welcoming rooms, the accommodation offers a variety of services designed to guarantee comfort and functionality for its guests. The “Casa delle Balie” covers an area of 350 square meters and has two independent entrances: the main one on Vicolo di San Girolamo (number 2) and a second access from Via de’ Fusari (number 48), specifically designed to facilitate access for disabled guests, with a room equipped with a bathroom to regulations.

Guests can enjoy a range of state-of-the-art services and a warm and welcoming atmosphere, thanks to the advanced heating and air conditioning system, free Wi-Fi, as well as a well-equipped laundry room with a washing machine and dryer, refrigerator, bathrooms with coin-operated showers, a terrace and a recreation room. Open all year round, except for December 25th, until October the hostel will welcome its guests from 3pm with check-in from 1.30pm to 6.15pm (winter hours will be announced shortly). Registration and payment (if not made previously) must be made at the Museo Santa Maria della Scala, Piazza Duomo, 2 from 1.30pm to 6.15pm. After registration, guests will be given an electronic key or access code and directions to their accommodation (room name and bed number), and the times for entering and leaving the building.

In line with its commitment to providing a high quality service, the Municipality of Siena has updated the rates to 25 euros per person per night including bed linen.

The “Casa delle Balie” is more than just a hostel: it is a meeting point for travellers from all over the world, a place where history and hospitality blend to offer a unique experience. We are ready to welcome back pilgrims and travellers to the heart of Siena, offering them an unforgettable stay.

Information and bookings:

Telephone: 0577-228788
Email: ostello@casadellebalie.it
Website with regulations: www.casadellebalie.it

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The Via Francigena at “Fa’ la cosa giusta!” 2024: here’s how it went

Just like previous years, slso this year the Via Francigena did not miss “Fa’ la cosa giusta!”, the trade fair in Milan dedicated to critical consumption and sustainable lifestyles organized by the publishing house Terre di Mezzo. The event, by now a solid point of reference in Milan’s green scene, attracts hundreds of operators, institutions and associations from all over Italy every year, as well as thousands of visitors interested in best practices linked to critical consumption and the enhancement of territorial excellence.

3 days of the fair in only 40 seconds: WATCH THE VIDEO

A double birthday: an edition marked by celebrations

This year, the “Fa’ la cosa giusta!” fair celebrated its 20th edition with very successful numbers: almost 40,000 visitors and 475 exhibitors throughout the three days at the Allianz MiCo exhibition space. Among the exhibitors, there were numerous stands in the area dedicated to “Conscious Tourism, Walks and Outdoor”, part of the third edition of the “Fiera dei Grandi Cammini“, the most important and unmissable event in Italy on walking and cycling.

“If twenty years ago we had been asked to express a wish for the future, perhaps our imagination would not have gone so far. Instead, here we are once again during this long weekend in which the work of a whole year comes to fruition, in which the small steps that each of us has taken go to delineate a single Path,” said Terre di Mezzo in a press release at the end of the event.

Candles on the cake also for the Via Francigena, which in 2024 celebrates its thirtieth anniversary as ‘Cultural Route of the Council of Europe’, obtained in 1994. An anniversary that will be celebrated all year round, with an unmissable programme of events aimed at hiking lovers and the rich panorama of organisations, associations, operators and institutions gravitating around the Via Francigena.

Activities, visitors, and 2024 novelties at the Via Francigena stand

From Via Francigena “veterans” to curious people looking for information to organise their first adventure: there were many visitors at the EAVF stand, shared on this occasion with our partner sloWays.

Many were the activities during the three days of the fair, organised in collaboration with EAVF’s partners CAMCO, Ferrino, Garmont, sloWays, AllTrails, Coop, Flixbus and Trenitalia, which involved hundreds of participants. The luckiest ones – their names will be revealed on EAVF’s social media channels on 5 April! – will receive free hiking equipment by Ferrino, Garmont and CAMCO, or a voucher to the value of 100 euro on a sloWays trip.

And finally… maps, pins, brochures, postcards, and lots of questions about the Via Francigena, but not only: an important novelty at the stand was the calendar of free group hikes, starting in April with the walks of the Francigena Fidenza Festival and from May to October with the 2024 edition of “Coop Outdoor – I love Francigena“.

The perspectives of the Via Francigena: Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Ministry of Tourism

Il cammino della Via Francigena prosegue in discesa e il suo futuro passa anche da “Fa’ la cosa giusta!” 2024: durante la conferenza stampa di apertura dell’evento è stato presentato il protocollo di intesa tra AEVF e il Ministero del Turismo alla presenza della Ministra Daniela Santanchè e dell’Assessora al Turismo e Ambiente di Regione Lazio Elena Palazzo. Il Protocollo si affianca all’accordo operativo tra Ministero del Turismo e regioni che prevede lo stanziamento di un milione e 690mila euro per avviare tutti gli interventi necessari alla promozione del cammino. Ne abbiamo parlato qua:

During the opening press conference of the event, a protocol of understanding between EAVF and the Italian Ministry of Tourism was signed in the presence of Minister Daniela Santanchè and Lazio Region Councillor for Tourism and Environment Elena Palazzo. The protocol complements the operational agreement between the Ministry of Tourism and the regions, which provides for the allocation of 1.69 million euros to initiate all the actions necessary to promote the itinerary. We also talked about it here:

Also this year, the participation of the Via Francigena in “Fa’ la cosa giusta!” marked the official start of the walking season! Stay tuned to the EAVF communication channels for all the news and upcoming events!

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Italian Ministry of Tourism, Regions and EAVF together for the Via Francigena

The Italian Ministry of Tourism, Regions and EAVF are working together to promote the Via Francigena in 2024 and 2025, with a special focus on next year’s Jubilee.

On Friday 22 March 2024 in Milan, on the occasion of the “Fa’ la cosa giusta!” trade fair, the operative agreement with the Italian Ministry of Tourism for the implementation of a Communication Plan within the intervention called “Via Francigena – Transversal Actions” was signed in the presence of the Minister Daniela Santanchè and the Councillor for Tourism and Environment of the Lazio Region, Elena Palazzo. The allocation of 1.69 million euros is foreseen to start all the necessary actions for the promotion of the itinerary, which will see the Lazio Region in the role of leader.

The agreement was also signed by the other regions involved (Aosta Valley, Piedmont, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Liguria, Tuscany, Campania, and Puglia) with the Ministry’s General Directorate for Tourism Enhancement and Promotion.

At the centre of the activities is the promotional work, ranging from the launch of advertising campaigns aimed at various countries around the world to the setting up of dedicated stands at the most important international trade fairs. The improvement of the www.viefrancigena.org website where people can plan and organise their trip is also planned, as well as an update of the Via Francigena App. Press tours will also be organised for journalists, bloggers, and influencers who will be able to show the Via Francigena from their point of view.

The project is carried out in close cooperation with the European Association of the Via Francigena.

It is a project that connects, from north to south, 2,000 km throughout the whole of Italy: a fine example of cooperation between institutions committed together to supporting the Via Francigena itinerary in its infrastructural and international dimension.

You may also be interested in:

Italian Ministry of Tourism and EAVF sign a protocol to promote and internationalize the Via Francigena

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The European Association of the Via Francigena ways meets in Vevey for its General Assembly

The beautiful Swiss city of Vevey, in the canton of Vaud, is hosting the next EAVF General Assembly on Friday 26 April and a series of cultural initiatives.

Vevey is the arrival point of one of the most fascinating stages of the Via Francigena. The one that starts in Lausanne and runs partly along the beautiful lakeside promenade of Lake Geneva and partly through the terraced vineyards of ‘Lavaux’, a UNESCO World Heritage region for the production of quality wines, as well a “cultural landascape”.

The network of the European Association of the Via Francigena Ways, which today counts 241 members and 92 friendly associations, is meeting in this prestigious location to also celebrate a special event, namely the 30th anniversary of the certification of the itinerary by the Council of Europe. The Council of Europe is the first organisation for cooperation between European states created after the end of the Second World War. It was founded in London in 1949 and today unites 46 member states, including Switzerland.

On the agenda of the assembly will be the accession of new members (among which the city of Vevey stands out), an update on the progress of the UNESCO dossier and the promotion projects planned for the year, and the approval of the final and forecast budget. The Assembly will also approve the official declaration of the Via Francigena, Council of Europe Cultural Route 1994-2024.

Planned initiatives

Before the work begins, again to commemorate and celebrate the anniversary of the Via Francigena, an exhibition on the Via Francigena will be inaugurated in the Market Square of Vevey.

In addition to the assembly, a series of animation and discussion initiatives are planned for 24-25-26 April. It starts on Thursday 25 at 6 p.m. with a theatrical performance of the “Legend of Sigeric” staged by AIDAS of Versailles. Followed by a convivial fondue dinner.

On Friday 26th, in addition to the opening of the exhibition and the General Assembly, a guided tour of the city is scheduled for the international guests in the morning at 10.00 a.m., and at the same time a conference on the cultural routes through Switzerland at the City Hall.

Finally, on Saturday 27 April, there is a beautiful 9 km walk along the Via Francigena starting from Vevey station at 9:00 am. It ends with an aperitif among the Vevey vineyards.

All EAVF delegates will have free access to the following museums in the city:

  • Musée suisse de l’appareil photographique (link)
  • Musée historique de Vevey (link)
  • Musée Jenisch (link)
To take part in these free events, you must register by clicking here!

For those who would like to stay a few days in the area to discover the beauty of the region, some places not to be missed are:

  • The Chaplin’s World museum, devoted entirely to the life and work of Charlie Chaplin.
  • The Villa Le Lac, designed by the modernist architect Le Corbusier.;
  • The Gothic-style Saint-Martin temple in Vevey, listed as a cultural asset of national importance;
  • Les Pléiades mountain resort, with its panoramic views and fields of daffodils, accessible by the star train from Vevey;
  • Le château de Chillon.

The EAVF three-day event in Vevey is supported by the City of Vevey and the Association Suisse Via Francigena.

The EAVF General Assembly in Vevey represents an important milestone in the promotion of the Via Francigena, a cultural route uniting four nations. The event offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the past, discuss the present and plan the future of this extraordinary European pilgrimage route.

For the programme: https://www.viefrancigene.org/event/eavf-general-assembly-vevey-switzerland/

Thursday 25 April 2024

  • 6 p.m. Performance of “La Légende de Sigéric” in the open-air theatre in the Jardin du Rivage (in case of bad weather, at the Eglise Sainte-Claire, rue Sainte-Claire 1)
  • 8 p.m. Fondue evening* at the Cave de l’Hôpital, rue du Musée 3

Friday 26 April 2024

  • 9.30 Inauguration of the 30th anniversary exhibition of the Via Francigena – Market Square
  • 10 a.m. Conference “How to promote cultural routes in Switzerland Council Chamber (rue du Conseil 8), or guided tour of the town of Vevey (meeting at La Grenette – Grande-Place 29)
  • 12:30 Aperitif dinner at the Salle del Castillo (Grande-Place 1)
  • 14:00 Welcome and registration of participants at the General Assembly in the Salle del Castillo
  • 14:30 General Assembly
  • 20:00 Dinner at Restaurant le Kju, Quai Perdonnet 22b

Saturday, 27 April 2024

9:00 Meeting point at Vevey train station

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Italian Ministry of Tourism and EAVF sign a protocol to promote and internationalize the Via Francigena

The European Association of the Via Francigena ways (EAVF) and the Italian Ministry of Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting and enhancing the Via Francigena as a cultural and tourist itinerary of international relevance.

The MoU aims at consolidating the Via Francigena as a hub for slow tourism and pilgrimage in Italy and Europe, in line with the Strategic Tourism Plan 2023-2027. It aims thus to develop shared actions to structure, enhance, and promote the Via Francigena route at both national and international levels.

The Via Francigena, recognized as a Cultural Route by the Council of Europe in 1994, celebrates in 2024 thirty years since this prestigious European recognition. The application dossier was presented by the then Department of Tourism of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the Italian Ministry of Tourism, in agreement with the coordinating committee led by the Emilia-Romagna Region.

The 3,200 km route, which traverses England, France, Switzerland, and Italy, involves Italy for almost 2000 km along an axis that touches over 400 Municipalities, often located outside tourist circuits or rural areas. These so-called “minor” territories are interconnected thanks to the work of the EAVF, founded in 2001.

Among the objectives of the protocol is to disseminate, through the EAVF network, information and activities of the Ministry of Tourism, which has included the Via Francigena and the pilgrim routes as one of the main axes for the development of slow tourism in Italy.

At the heart of the agreement is a technical coordination action, especially with the Italian regions crossed by the Via Francigena and the involved local authorities, to activate and share projects related to the route, hospitality, and promotion, also in synergy with ENIT (the Italian State Tourist Office). The aim is to attract an increasingly international audience, considering that in 2023 pilgrims who walked the Via Francigena came from 55 countries and generated an economic impact of over 25 million euros in the territories.

Activities included in the protocol also concern communication through the portals of the Italian Ministry of Tourism and EAVF, allowing interoperability between the two channels. Finally, emphasis is placed on common projects in view of the Jubilee 2025.

As Minister Daniela Santanchè recalled during the two-day event she spent last year on the Via Francigena, walking for two stages in Tuscany: “The Via Francigena represents a great opportunity to showcase the rural areas, the inland areas, the villages, and the cultural sites of Italy and minor Europe. The Ministry of Tourism is working to enhance the route through an integrated system of promotion, communication, and signage. There is a great opportunity not to be missed, called Jubilee 2025. Let’s make the Via Francigena our Camino de Santiago, making it the backbone that gives life to the system of Italian routes.”

The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding, which will be presented in Milan at the inaugural conference of the Grandi Cammini Fair on March 22 during the “Fa’ la Cosa Giusta!” Fair in the presence of Minister Santanchè, represents a significant step towards the promotion and enhancement of the Via Francigena as an important tourism and cultural resource, consolidating the collaboration between the European Association of the Via Francigena and the Ministry of Tourism.

The signing of the Memorandum at the inaugural conference of the Grandi Cammini Fair in Milan on March 22nd, coinciding with the “Fa’ la Cosa Giusta!” Fair, marks a significant step forward. In the presence of Minister Santanchè, this MoU strengthens collaboration between the European Association of Via Francigena ways and the Italian Ministry of Tourism, promoting and enhancing the Via Francigena as a key cultural and tourism resource.

Rome, March 21, 2024

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Embark on a journey to wellbeing: new European project by the EAVF

Get ready to lace up your hiking boots and explore the enchanting walking trails of the Mediterranean basin. EAVF starts its new European project in the framework of the Erasmus+ programme: “HIKE : Hiking for a healthier lifestyle along European Cultural Routes”.

Kicking off on 1 April 2024, this project is managed by the Culture Routes Society in Türkiye together with AEVF and Paths of Greece and has a duration of 18 months.

The HIKE aims to promote healthier lifestyles by organizing engaging hiking events along the stretch of the Via Francigena in Puglia region (September 2024), Via Egnatia in the area of Greek Edessa (October 2024) and in Türkiye next to Izmit (November 2024). Through workshops, animated activities, and community involvement, the project seeks to enhance well-being, encourage physical activity, and foster a sense of community.

EAVF is set to organize captivating hikes in the picturesque region of Puglia, offering workshops and animated activities to make each step a celebration. The arrival to Brindisi will be merged with the celebration of the European Week of Sports. The project involves some local bodies and associations such as the CAI of Viterbo, the Antiche Strade Association, the Puglia Region, the cities of Brindisi and Polignano a Mare and many other entities still in the confirmation phase.

EAVF takes the lead in spreading awareness about the project. From creating informative kits to crafting engaging communication guidelines, the association ensures that the spirit of HIKE reaches everyone. This isn’t just about hiking; it’s about embracing a lifestyle that nurtures both body and soul.

The hikes welcome all participants. The details in Italian are available here and the registration form will be soon online on the official website.