A service long-awaited by all pilgrims and which completes San Gimignano’s plans for the Via Francigena just in time for the presentation of Sigeric’s Way for the candidacy of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In recent weeks, maintenance and safety of the Francigena has been carried out in the area thanks to the contributions of the Province of Siena and the Tuscany Region

New spaces have been created to accommodate travelers and tourists who choose to make a stop in San Gimignano along the Via Francigena. The ‘Pilgrim Village’, a campsite in the Piemma Woods of Saint Lucia, has been inaugurated within sight of the medieval towers of San Gimignano. Nine mobile homes, offering a total of 54 beds, are ready to welcome visitors to the area with additional services such as sports facilities and a catering outlet. Each mobile home is 32 square meters and is divided into 2 triple rooms.  Within each room, divided into single or double beds, there are all the necessary amenities including heating and air conditioning, a minibar and a bathroom with shower.  The cost of each bed is 10 € per night (15 € in July and August).

The Pilgrim’s Village was built with the funds from the Tuscany Region and the City of San Gimignano.

“In a sense, this project originated a thousand years ago, as San Gimignano owes its birth and its own development to the Francigena way – said the mayor of San Gimignano Giacomo Bassi. That is why this pilgrimage path is, for us, synonymous with existence. Today we provide an efficient and necessary service to pilgrims and to the entire project linked to the Via Francigena, which is growing exponentially.”

“This represents another step in the enhancement path of Via Francigena – said the Head of Tourism for the Region of Tuscany, Stefano Ciuoffo.  Step by step, the towns of Tuscany are building a network to provide hospitality. It is important to appreciate what has been done and cover what is lacking with new initiatives. In San Gimignano, we are demonstrating to the world Tuscany’s distinctive culture, hospitality and quality.”

“We have found the perfect place for the accommodation of the numerous pilgrims who pass through San Gimignano – said the Head of Tourism of the City of San Gimignano, Carolina Taddei. In this village, visitors to this area will be able to rest, refresh and enjoy one of the most picturesque and fascinating corners of our city.”

Fonte: Valdelsa.net