Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims on the Via Francigena
A historic pilgrimage route through the heart of Italy
The Via Francigena is one of Europe’s most famous pilgrimage routes, which in the Middle Ages connected the English city of Canterbury with the Papal See in Rome. Today, this historic trail is a magnet for travellers who want to walk through Italy’s rich cultural heritage and varied natural landscapes.
Although the entire route spans several countries, it is especially the Italian section that attracts countless hikers every year – and it’s easy to see why. From charming hilltop medieval towns to exquisite church art and idyllic vineyards, the Via Francigena offers a rare opportunity to journey in the footsteps of centuries of pilgrims and merchants.
From Tuscany’s gentle hills to Umbria’s lush valleys
The Italian section of the Via Francigena is a rich patchwork of regions, each with its own distinctive charm. In Tuscany, you walk through rolling hills where vineyards and olive groves weave together into a magnificent landscape that changes colour with the seasons. Along the way, you can visit small towns and villages where time seems to stand still and local traditions are beautifully preserved.
Further east lies Umbria, often called “the green heart of Italy.” Here, the landscape is marked by mountains and river valleys that are perfect for meditative walking, where the tranquillity of nature blends with the spiritual atmosphere of ancient monasteries.
Cultural and culinary treasures along the way
A big part of the experience of walking the Via Francigena is discovering the rich local cuisine. Along the route, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to taste authentic dishes—from freshly made pasta and spiced sausages in Tuscany to rustic stews and traditional breads in Umbria and Lazio. The region is also renowned for its wines, from ruby-red Chianti to the robust Montepulciano varieties that pair perfectly with local cheeses and cured meats. Even in small towns, you’ll often find an impressive array of family-run trattorias where you can savour a meal with a glass of local wine while reflecting on the day’s walk.
The pilgrimage route into Italy’s soul
The Via Francigena was originally a route for pilgrims, but today it’s a journey for anyone wanting to get close to Italy’s history and culture. Much of the trail follows old dusty roads, cobbled paths, and cypress-lined gravel lanes that have changed little since the Middle Ages. The route also comes alive as you arrive in towns like Lucca, Siena, or Orvieto, where the architecture reflects grandeur and Renaissance art. It’s hard not to be swept away when standing before towering church façades, studying paintings by old masters, or admiring the view from a piazza overlooking the surrounding countryside.
Practical tips for your hiking holiday
It’s a good idea to plan your walk outside the hottest summer months to get the most out of the route. Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and landscapes full of beautiful colours—from the budding fields of spring to autumn’s golden vineyards. Accommodation along the route ranges from 2- to 4-star hotels. Remember to bring sturdy footwear, enough water, and a reliable navigation solution, as some parts of the route may be marked with older signs.
A journey for body and soul
Following the Via Francigena through Italy’s landscapes is an experience—a walking route with historical perspective, cultural immersion, and scenic beauty. You feel history in the ancient city walls, sense religious spirituality in the churches, and are filled with joy when tasting local dishes or meeting the welcoming locals. The Via Francigena is not just a physical journey, but also a mental and spiritual one, gradually revealing why pilgrims for centuries have set their sights on Rome. It is a tribute to the past, the present, and the Italian spirit that you can truly understand only by walking its winding paths and breathing in the scent of cypress and Italian soil.
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