The name "Francigena" indicates how "from the Land of the Franks" allowed pilgrims from across the Alps to reach Rome... The Val d’Orcia, a #UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes the historic centers and much of the territory of the municipalities of Castiglione d’Orcia, Montalcino, Pienza, Radicofani, San Quirico d’Orcia... #tuttitaly
All the roads from the Land of the Franks were identified with the nickname "Via Francigena." In particular, there were two traveled by pilgrims who wanted to reach a holy place: one of the two was traveled by pilgrims who wanted to reach Santiago de Compostela and entered Italy from the Monginevro Pass; the second developed on the national territory with a greater length and was practiced by pilgrims who came from France and England, and who entered the Italic soil at the Gran San Bernardo Pass.
The two paths meet in Vercelli and continue on a single road reaching Rome.
Walking the Francigena Road was an act of faith in the Middle Ages. Today, however, it is also covered to discover many corners of history. The route has been recognized as a cultural itinerary by the European Council. It can be covered on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback. Together, alone, to follow fashion or to rediscover yourself.
The first documents where these paths are mentioned date back to the 9th century and refer to a stretch of the road in the province of Siena.
It is also thought that the route of the Via Francigena (the one through the San Bernardo) was traveled by the archbishop of Canterbury, Sigeric. In 990, he returned from a pilgrimage to Rome. He wrote a diary about each day spent traveling, meticulously noting step by step up to 79 while still including 56. This confirms that Sigerico did not always travel the Via Francigena and that this path was probably attributed to him for "marketing."
Often the paths cross the green of the fields, and given the sultry heat of summer, perhaps it is better to face the passage in spring or autumn.
After various stages, we reached Rome. This intermediate stage became part of the hubs of Christianity after Santiago de Compostela and Jerusalem.
And even if many pilgrims stopped at the tomb of St. Peter, many others continued towards the Holy Land, which had seen the birth of Christ. In Brindisi, it was possible to embark to reach Jerusalem.
In the Middle Ages, many routes were dangerous, but pilgrims needed faith to continue their journey, at least as long as possible.
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