Author: Redazione AEVF

The European Association of the Via Francigena Ways (EAVF) has been awarded the Erasmus + tender which will enable training for 70 young Italian graduates in France, the United Kingdom and Spain.

The EAVF, as part of the Erasmus + Program, is the leader of the transnational mobility project called “FORREsT: new skills FOR expeRiEntial Tourism”.

The project foresees 62 days of mobility of 70 Italian graduates from Tourism, Marketing and Corporate Information Systems sectors to travel to France, the United Kingdom and Spain (25 students to France, 20 students to the United Kingdom and 25 – to Spain), to enrich their professional training through international work experiences.

For the realization of the project, the EAVF established a specific national consortium that includes the Valle d’Aosta, Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany and Lazio regions. The Consortium is composed of Institutes of Higher Education, Local and Regional Authorities and Tourism Promotion Associations.

The project aims to respond to new international tourism trends (experiential and sustainable tourism) and to promote the development of specific professional skills in the relevant sector. The project ensures economic development of the areas affected by the transit of the Via Francigena, with a view to enhance local communities, united by a European cultural identity expressed by the Via Francigena.

The young participants will have work placement opportunities in European companies in tourism sectors, thanks to a scholarship that will include identification of a potential placement, communication with an host organization, linguistic preparation via the European platform OLS, cultural and pedagogical training, round-trip travel, an insurance coverage, housing; professional, logistic and organizational tutoring and monitoring; training certification.

“FORREsT” has a duration of 24 months and is funded by the European Union. Radio Francigena is project’s media partner and Euro Glocal – its technical partner.

The project will be presented on 15 October 2019 in Fidenza (Parma, Italy) at the Council Chamber at 11:30.

More info:

EAVF Erasmus Plus

Euro Glocal

Radio Francigena

Retrace the steps of everyday life of a medieval monk, have lunch in silence with the cloistered nuns or take part in a picturesque evening trekk ending with a harp concert in an ancient abbey. These are just few of the initiatives planned during “Emilia–Romagna Open Monasteries“, the event scheduled on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October 2019 uniting 20 regional monuments.

From the splendid Abbey of Nonantola (Mo) – recently reopened to the public after the post-earthquake restoration and a monument 2019 of a special Jubilee granted by Pope Francis – to the Cathedral of Sarsina (Fc), the event also included lesser known gems, such as the Monastery of San Pietro in Modena and the Monastery of Santa Chiara in Lagrimone (Pr).

For a whole weekend, the heritage of parish churches, monasteries, cloisters, crypts, abbeys and places of ancient worship, situated along 18 routesof Wayfarers and Pilgrims of Emilia–Romagna, is revealed to public, offering rarefied atmospheres, silence, introspection and a full immersion in the most beautiful autumnal nature.

Some of the monuments open their doors to external visitors for the first time. Thanks to the experienced art guides the public will learn in depth their origin and history, art and architecture. The initiative is promoted by APT Servizi Emilia–Romagna and CEER – Office for the pastoral care of sport, tourism and leisure, in collaboration with eight regional Dioceses (Piacenza-Bobbio, Parma, Reggio-Emilia, Modena-Nonantola, Bologna, Faenza-Modigliana , Forlì, Cesena-Sarsina) and ten regional routes associations (Via degli Abati, Via dei Linari, Via Romea Strata Longobarda – Via Nonantolana, Via degli Dei, Viae Misericordiae- Cammino di Dante, Way of Saint Anthony, Via Romea Germanica, Way of Saint Vicinio).

“Enhancing the cultural, architectural and religious capital of the territory by creating new tourist itineraries along the 18 routes of Wayfarers and Pilgrims of Emilia-Romagna means – comment the Regional Tourism Councilor Andrea Corsini –offering visitors additional travel opportunities. This Council is constantly working in two directions : allocating the funds necessary to reopen the monasteries destroyed by the earthquake, as recently the abbeys of Nonantola and Santa Chiara in Carpi and investing both in favor of the local communities and the tourism sector of the Emilia-Romagna”.

“The Open Monasteries” initiative, agreed between the Emilia-Romagna Region and CEER – declares Monsignor Carlo Mazza, CEER delegate – takes on a significance of particular cultural value in relation to religious tourism movement that has been greatly increased in recent years by Wayfarers and Pilgrims Paths promoted by the Region and Diocese of Emilia Romagna. In reality sacred places, such as monasteries, abbeys, churches and sanctuaries, combine secular and religious traditions of the territory constituting heritage of art, faith and culture that is quite remarkable. Their availability for a differentiated and intimate visit confirms a widespread desire for inner experiences and broad social sensitivity. The “Open Monasteries” is an event that will also have an impact on the territory and whose potential can grow thanks to the synergy with organizations and bodies “.

Scheduled free of charge and fee-requiring events and activities, including guided tours, workshops, excursions with stops in monasteries and churches, concerts of sacred music can be booked  via https://camminiemiliaromagna.it/en/2019-monasteri-aperti-19-20-ott . There is plenty of choice, from a guided tour of the Monastery, the Abbey and the Cloister of San Colombano, to Bobbio (Pc), one of the main late medieval cultural centers of Northern Italy, to evening trekking with a final harpe concert at the Abbey of Sant’Ellero (Fc), a meeting with cloistered Clarisse nuns of the Regina Mundi Monastery of Lagrimone, Parma, and the writing laboratory with a quill pen at the Monastery of San Colombano, Bobbio.

The 18 Paths for Wayfarers and Pilgrims of Emilia-Romagna, a region boasting a unique concentration of routes on a national level, are increasingly turning to tourism experience. The website https://camminiemiliaromagna.it/it  provides visitors with relevant information. You can choose to stay in bed & breakfasts, holiday farms, hotels or religious hospitality facilities (over 4,700 hotels), visit ancient churches and convents, discover natural springs and monumental trees, and cross regional parks (2732 points of interest mapped), as well as visit farms of typical products of protected origin (around 300 structures), or visit the Taste Museums that narrates  a story and origin of gastronomic excellences of Emilia-Romagna. Thanks to the synergy with authorities, private operators and local institutions, the site presents a calendar with over one hundred events (festivals, markets, exhibitions, walks) that take place between April and December along the Paths and can offer an additional tourism package.

Source: press release

You can find more details about the initiative attached.

120 km, 10 municipalities, 5 routes and 1000 participants, including 560 outside the Region making it 20% more than in 2018: these are numbers of the new edition of “World Francigena UltraMarathon 2019“. The event will take place on 12-13 October 2019 along the Sigeric’s route, the ancient path travelled by pilgrims since the Middle Ages.

A non-competitive 120 km trekking and Nordic walking hike is organised by the Tourism Department of the Municipality of Siena and by the Department of Sport and Tourism of Acquapendente, with the patronage of the European Association of Via Francigena Ways, the region of Tuscany and the region of Lazio, and the collaboration of the Municipalities of Monteroni d’Arbia, Buonconvento, Montalcino, San Quirico d’Orcia, Castiglione d’Orcia, Radicofani, San Casciano dei Bagni and Proceno. This slow pace journey between Tuscany and Lazio will allow you to discover the historic, cultural and environmental heritage along this important route and beyond.

The novelty of this year is the gastronomic exploration of the flavors of the territory at refreshment points along the route and a welcome party for all participants with tasting of typical products, to take place on Friday 11 October on 17.30 – 22.00 at Tartarugone in Piazza del Mercato in Siena.

“We are very satisfied because we have reached 1000 participants. It was a goal that we set ourselves and today we can say we have achieved it – said Tourism Councilor Alberto Tirelli, also underlining that about 600 participants arrive from outside the region and probably will remain in Siena for a few days even beyond the walk”.

A success of the campaign is proved by web and social media visitations: “90.000 people  reached by the web during last month and 6.500 interactions with posts on Facebook and Instagram in the last week – said Tirelli and stressed that “for this edition we have prepared five possible routes because the World Francigena UltraMarathon is not a competitive event but an exceptional opportunity to discover our beautiful territory and its typical features. An enhancement that will also pass by the refreshment points where you will find typical products – panforte and ricciarelli – from Siena “.

The mayor of Acquapendente Angelo Ghinassi remarked “the exceptional success of the 2019 edition of the World Francigena UltraMarathon represents a great opportunity for the development of our territory – underlining the availability and organizational collaboration between all the actors involved that is at the base of the success of the event “.

The director of the European Association of the Via Francigena Ways Luca Bruschi explained that “the World Francigena UltraMarathon has been included among the good practices in the triannual evaluation dossier recently presented to the Council of Europe”. He then highlighted “the important result achieved on the Sienese stretch of the ancient path of Francigena where, thanks to the work carried out in synergy between the municipal administration and the associations, the Via Francigena is being enhanced”.

Siena-Acquapendente: the most challenging route of 120 km starts on October 12 at 10.00 from Piazza Duomo with the bib collection (in vicolo San Girolamo 4), also available on 11 October from 16.00 to 20.00 and on 12 October from 8.00 to 9.30.A stage of 35 km begins in Siena. A challenging course along the roads of the Val d’Arbia, with panoramic views characteristic of the Siennese countryside, leading to Grancia di Cuna, an old fortified farmhouse owned by the hospital at Santa Maria della Scala. Continuing along the foothills of the Crete Senesi, you get to Monteroni and finally reach Quinciano. A short distance away is the fortified village of Lucignano d’Arbia, with the Romanesque church of San Giovanni Battista. After a stretch along the railway line, we reach Ponte d’Arbia and subsequently Buonconvento, the finishing line of the alternate route.

A stage of 32 Km sets off from Buonconvento. After an initial flat section, it travels uphill to reach Buonconvento, with its perfectly preserved village. You then climb the Ombrone valley, walk along a stretch of the Cassia to Montalcino, with the Brunello vineyards covering the hill.

Then, along the country roads until you reach Torrenieri, with the church of Santa Maria Maddalena, cited by Sigerico. From here, you enter the Orcia Valley panorama, with a climb up to the collegiate church of San QuiricoD’Orcia

From San Quirico d’Orcia, a very challenging stage of 32.7 km begins (which starts in the evening), with climbs and descents along relatively barren hills. You reach the small fortified village of Vignoni, with its view of the Val d’Orcia, and then descend to Bagno Vignoni, which is famous for its monumental thermal bath. A long stretch up and down in the valleys of the rivers Orcia and Paglia brings us to the ancient hospital at Le Briccole. From here a tough climb up to the finishing line begins, ending at Radicofani, some 790 metres above sea level.

From Radicofani, there is another challenging stage of 31.8 km. The journey begins with an 8 km descent along the ridge, with views of the valleys that stretch toward the Lazio. Around you as far as the eye can see are hills and Monte Amiata, behind the Rocca di Radicofani. Once in Ponte a Rigo, the course runs along for several kilometres before entering Lazio, and then proceeds along a dirt road with views of the River Paglia valley, ending at Proceno. The course descends to Ponte Gregoriano, before undertaking a final steep climb to the Ripa gate, entrance to the City of Acquapendente (The Jerusalem Of Europe), and the finish of the Ultramarathon in Piazza del Comune.

Siena-Buonconvento: it is a 35 km itinerary that starts on 12 October at 10.00 from Piazza Duomo, (collection of bibs in Vicolo San Girolamo 4, 11 October 16.00 – 20.00 and on 12 October 8.00 – 9.30). The route retraces the key places of the first part of the Ultramarathon in the Val d’Arbia. A challenging course along the roads of the Val d’Arbia, with panoramic views characteristic of the Siennese countryside, leading to Grancia di Cuna, an old fortified farmhouse owned by the hospital at Santa Maria della Scala. Continuing along the foothills of the Crete Senesi, you get to Monteroni and finally reach Quinciano. A short distance away is the fortified village of Lucignano d’Arbia, with the Romanesque church of San Giovanni Battista. After a stretch along the railway line, we reach Ponte d’Arbia and subsequently Buonconvento, the finishing line of the alternate route.

Buonconvento-San Quirico d’Orcia: is the shortest route of this edition tracing 20 km. Starting from one of the most beautiful villages in the province of Siena, Buonconvento, it arrives at the gates of the Val d’Orcia, Unesco World heritage Site : San Quirico d’Orcia . The departure is October 12 at 15.00 from Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi in Buonconvento. The bib collection is at 14.00 – 14.00 at the Pro Loco stand.

San Quirico d’Orcia-Acquapendente: 65 km route that crosses the heart of the Val d’Orcia, to arrive in Lazio between fortified villages, endless panoramas, thermal places, valleys and rivers. It starts on Saturday, October 12 at 21.00 from San Quirico d’Orcia (Piazza Chigi). Same place for collecting bibs at 20.00-21.00.

Radicofani-Acquapendente: another challenging stage of 31.8 km. The appointment is on Sunday, 13 October at 9.00 in Piazza San Pietro in Radicofani, where bibs can be collected at 7.30 – 8.45. The journey begins with an 8 km descent along the ridge, with views of the valleys that stretch toward the Lazio. Around you as far as the eye can see are hills and Monte Amiata, behind the Rocca di Radicofani. Once in Ponte a Rigo, the course runs along for several kilometres before entering Lazio, and then proceeds along a dirt road with views of the River Paglia valley, ending at Proceno. The course descends to Ponte Gregoriano, before undertaking a final steep climb to the Ripa gate, entrance to the City of Acquapendente (The Jerusalem Of Europe), and the start of the Ultramarathon in Piazza del Comune.

More informations on the site www.francigenaultramarathon.it

Press release Municipality of Siena

The theme of respect and protection of the environment, as well as the climate change, is at the center of the world’s media. The European Association of Via Francigena Ways (EAVF), on the occasion of the 3rd Global Strike For Future on 27 September 2019, reiterated its total support for the movement with the slogan “Via Francigena for Future“.

The association, commissioned by the Council of Europe for promotion of the route, is engaged through its daily activities in safeguarding and sharing best practices in support of the environment of the European green route of  3,000 km long. The path, providing a human experience to its walkers, gives an opportunity of promoting and developing the European ideals and values, as well as supporting ecosystems and environment that surrounds it.

The Via Francigena is a European journey of peoples, cultures and especially territories. Cycling or walking along the old Canterbury-Rome route and continuing to the gates of Puglia, today becomes more than ever an ethical choice. The Via Francigena provides an opportunity for responsible tourism that puts the habitat in the forefront. Living the landscape in its most authentic dimension, with the slowness of steps, allows us to better observe what surrounds us, to appreciate the beauties and sometimes the limits caused by human negligence.

This is why the EAVF promotes environmental sustainability through numerous projects aimed at raising awareness of citizens and institutions.

With “I Love Francigena“, the format created by the AEVF, dozens of walkers have covered certain stages of the route and contributed to its maintenance with special attention to the environment. In September 2019, during the hikes along the section of the route in Emilia-Romagna, waste left on the country roads was picked up, citizens and administrators participated to make the environment cleaner.

The agreement with Trenitalia and Trenord signed by the EAVF also aims to pay attention to the environment and encourage use of less polluting and sustainable means of public transport. Sustainable mobility is indeed another essential condition for making the world of tomorrow possible. Pilgrims who have the EAVF credential and intend to travel part of their pilgrimage route using regional trains are entitled to certain discounts on their ticket.

“The world is a beautiful place that is worth fighting for,” said Hemingway. Choosing to walk the Via Francigena is the first step to give your own contribution to the environment and make the world a better place.