The Via Francigena: Trekking the Pathway to Paradise

Hiking on the Via Francigena between Col di Val d'Elsa and Monteriggioni | Kate Baker
Hiking on the Via Francigena between Col di Val d'Elsa and Monteriggioni | Kate Baker

The Via Francigena: Trekking the Pathway to Paradise

Friendships, cultural insights & unforgettable experiences abound on this spiritual odyssey

 
The award-winning author Brandon Wilson shares his experiences walking one of Europe's great pilgrimage routes: the Via Francigena. Of particular note is that he hiked the Via Francigena in the year 2000, back when this trail was rarely walked (Brandon saw just 6 other pilgrims en route!).
 
Brandon's journey took him from Canterbury in England to St Peter's Basilica in Rome, and he split this massive undertaking into two halves. He first walked the 1155-mile (1859km) route from Val d'Aosta, just south of the Swiss border, to Rome in 2000 (becoming the first American to achieve this feat!). In 2002 he completed the other half to Canterbury. 
 
It's just one of the many adventures Brandon has embarked on, such as walking the Templar's Trail and hiking the full Via Alpina route. You can read his full biography and get links to his books at the bottom of the article.
 
Award-winning author Brandon Wilson |  <i>Brandon Wilson</i> FFW Full Francigena Way walk map Follow the helpful signs on a self guided tour of the Via Francigena |  <i>Allie Peden</i>
Walking the Via Francigena with UTracks
The team at UTracks is here to help you walk the Via Francigena. We take care of organising your comfortable accommodation, provide 24 hour support and route assistance, plus include a daily luggage transfer so you only have to walk with what you need for the day. Our self guided walking and cycling trips break the Via Francigena route into segments that begin from Saint Bernard's Pass in Switzerland and take you all the way through to Rome (the most popular tour is the last 100km from Orvieto to Rome).
 
Please enjoy Brandon's account of walking the Via Francigena.
 

 

The Via Francigena: Trekking the Pathway to Paradise

In the entire world, reportedly, there were three roads to Paradise in early Christendom. The first is the Camino de Santiago that meanders 500 miles across northern Spain. This has been trekked by millions of faithful for centuries on their way to pay homage to the remains of the apostle St. James in Santiago de Compostela. 

Of course, the path from Rome, center of the Holy See, to Jerusalem must appear in this sacred trinity. But in second position and gaining in popularity is the Via Francigena (The Frankish Route). Only recently has this important trail, whose origins date back at least as far as the seventh century, received the recognition it so richly deserves. 

Arriving at Canterbury Cathedral, start point of the Via Francigena. |  <i>Brandon Wilson</i> Along the Via Francigena |  <i>Brandon Wilson</i> Spiritual interior of Canterbury Cathedral |  <i>Brandon Wilson</i>

Originally the Via Francigena (VF) stretched as a series of trails from Canterbury, England to Rome. As far as anyone knows, its existence was first documented in a diary by Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury, who returned via the route in 990 AD. It is open to speculation, but many say this route existed long before Siric’s wanderings as a major crosscontinent trail for early kings, traders, artists and invading armies alike. 

However, as the act of penance by pilgrimage fell out of popularity, walking paths were replaced by more sophisticated roads, and wars caused national boundaries to shift with startling regularity, this ancient passage grew less important and was nearly forgotten for centuries. 

Today, thanks to the efforts of the Rome-based Association Via Francigena and European Council that recently named the V.F. a “Cultural Itinerary,” this historic path is re-emerging phoenix-like from the ashes of historic obscurity.

New guidebooks have appeared for the modern-day pilgrim or pellegrino. Efforts are “afoot” to increase trail markings with signage featuring a pellegrino logo, to enlist support of local and national walking and alpinist clubs, to move the trail off often busy, two-laned roads onto more tranquil farmland or back onto remnants of the original pathway and to promote the Via Francigena throughout Europe and abroad. 

Francigena way trail marker |  <i>Brad Atwal</i>

In the early days, pellegrinos undoubtedly had to endure bandits, extreme illness, wolves, difficult river crossings and dangerous encounters with hostile armies. Today those challenges no longer exist, allowing wanderers to make this trek with somewhat less hardship. 

As the first American to complete the 1155-mile journey from Val d’Aosta, just south of the Swiss border, to Rome in 2000, and in 2002 from Switzerland to Canterbury, I can attest that this is one journey you’ll carry with you for a lifetime. 

If you’re in fairly good physical condition, with perseverance and a relatively easy pace, you should be able to walk the entire route in 60-80 days.

But then again, who’s worried about speed? 

Unlike the frantic, planned itinerary typical of other modern types of travel, it is important to remember that trekking the Via Francigena is not a race. It’s a one-step-at-a time mode of travel that slows down your mind and opens your heart.

The road markers and other signs make it easier for self guided walkers on the Via Francigena

Everyone walks at their own pace, either alone or in a group. Following signposts, or an up-to-date guidebook, you can anticipate walking 12-20 miles (19-32km) a day. Of course, it ultimately depends on the weather (heat, cold or rain), your physical condition and attitude. Equally important to consider is the location of villages, and whether they have accommodations (many do not), or parishes that are pellegrino-friendly.

To some locals, the pellegrino concept more foreign than the Euro. I had more than a few strange looks, as this weary, weathered backpacker shuffled into town. On one occasion, a lady nervously clutched her brooch as a fellow pellegrino and I passed her on the sidewalk. 

Another day, in the pounding rain, we were forced to present our identity papers to the obviously bored local Policia. With a bit of a flourish, we were amused to present our pellegrino credenzialis to the startled officers. 

Before leaving on this pilgrimage, you can contact the helpful Association Via Francigena in Roma to request this passport-like document (editors note: UTracks supplies these to clients). The credenziali del pellegrino Romeo, with its origins in the Middle Ages, identifies you as a “true” pilgrim, and not just some impostor taking advantage of everyone’s hospitality along the route. 

Arriving in each village at night, you take your credenziali to the church, cathedral or duomo and have it stamped by the priest or even an unassuming archbishop, such as the one who stamped mine in Viterbo, Italy. 

On the Via Francigena, San Gimignano in the distance

Enroute, however, this passport has more practical purposes. Presenting you as pellegrino, it is a great conversation starter, a source of local amazement, and may even open the door for you to sleep for little or no cost in the local parish, monastery or convent. This is an experience not to be missed.

Of course, you could choose to sleep in some of the region’s finest hotels, bed and breakfasts or spa resorts. But for me, it was important to stay true to the concept of pilgrimage and vastly more memorable to collapse in these historic religious hostels. The chance to “break bread” and share Chianti with Franciscan, Augustine, or Capuchin monks was preferable to any homogenous, non-descript hotel. 

(Besides, travelling light with only a small backpack, cruising the local discos was never an option for me. I had nothing to wear.) 

Via Francigena signage |  <i>Brandon Wilson</i>


Carrying your own pack, you quickly realize what is most important on the trail and, perhaps, in your life. Extra weight is equated with more aching muscles and bigger blisters. So, what you don’t need–definitely leave at home. Pack as if you’re going for a weekend hike in the mountains. A stove and tent are unnecessary. Food supplies are plentiful–and exceptional. Taking a lightweight sleeping bag is a good idea since many parishes still do not have beds, let alone bedding. Here, again, is where that good guidebook comes in handy, especially one with suggestions of where you can stay. 

Hotel near San Gimignano on the Via Francigena |  <i>Tim Charody</i>

Today, in many ways, anyone following this trail is a "pioneer" of the new Via Francigena. Although village priests are generally curious, approving and supportive, many parishes are unequipped to deal with overnight guests. Oddly, I found that sometimes the most opulent cathedrals and richest parishes were less welcoming than the tiniest of crumbling village churches.

There’s nothing more disheartening on the trail than, after walking in the often brutal heat for eight hours, to arrive at an imposing church, present your credenziali to a smiling priest for its stamp, then be told essentially "there’s no room at the inn." 

It does happen. Don’t be surprised when you’re told "so-and-so" town is just 10 kilometers away. Little do they realize that involves a several hours trek in near darkness. But this is the exception.

Generally, I found the French and Italians delightful and generous. Some of my fondest memories of the journey were nightly sessions spent practicing my mangled Italian and awkward hand gestures with curious villagers. There was a universal astonishment that someone would walk to Rome, a wide-eyed fascination with the Via Francigena, and a genuine warmth you don’t find among jaded locals in major tourist destinations. 

Enjoying a well deserved break from the trail along the Via Francigena |  <i>Allie Peden</i>

From the simple fruit peddler who wouldn’t accept payment for his apple, to the café owner who treated me to a steamy morning espresso, to the small town priest, his housekeeper and mother who treated us like royalty and wept when we left, to the local mayor who let me use the village’s sole internet connection to check my e-mail, to the Sisters of San Guistiniana who took me in for the night and fed me when I could walk no farther, to the amiable WW II paratrooper who’d served with the American Allies who bought me a glass of vino to toast his comrades, these folks were a few of the unexpected treasures along the VF.

So who walks the Via Francigena today? Unlike the thousands trekking the Camino de Santiago, you will still be a pioneer today on the VF. During a pilgrimage in fall 2000, my pellegrino companion for the first two weeks was Juan Ignacio Preciado, a Basque engineer who had hiked part of the Camino with me in 1999. Over four weeks on the trail, I met a total of six other pilgrims: a Frenchman bicycling to Jerusalem and five German cyclists enroute to Roma. 

Walking along the 'white roads' on the Francigena Way |  <i>Brad Atwal</i>

So what is it that attracts today’s pellegrinos to the VF? 

It’s still a spiritual odyssey. It’s a chance to shut out the distractions of a busy world, to meditate, to reaffirm your faith, to search for answers, to find inspiration. This is the perfect venue, closer to a walking meditation than a marathon.

Opportunities for such peaceful reflection should improve with time, as the trail moves away from the often-dangerous roads. The Association Via Francigena is working to move local governments and farmers in this direction. However, at present, be forewarned. Italians, although conscientious drivers, love to push their Fiats to the limit. The narrow thoroughfares are garlanded with monuments to fallen drivers and pedestrians. Some stretches of the path will test your bravery, faith and devotion. Your guardian angels will work overtime. 

Pilgrim walking into St Peters in Rome at the end of the Via Francigena |  <i>Tim Charody</i>

But the country roads in France and well-marked trails in Switzerland and Southeast England are a pure delight. This is the way to steep yourself in local culture–and travel across time.

The Via Francigena presents many opportunities to discover precious art and architecture, such as Siena’s magnificent marbled Duomo, or its neighboring living museums in Lucca and San Gimignano. It’s a chance to stroll ancient Roman roads. Explore castles, elaborate fountains, frescoes, sculpture and holy relics sequestered in tiny chapels along the way. Experience local festivals, such as the Choucroute Celebration and “vendage” of the Champagne region. 

Ornan River along the Via Francigena |  <i>Brandon Wilson</i>

For some, it is simply the opportunity to take part in a rich tradition of wandering the same path in the same spirit (earning the same aching muscles and blisters) as thousands of pellegrinos this past millennium. 

Revel in the exploration of traditional Italian delicacies, from Pontremoli’s specialty, the wonderful morsels of earthy fungo (mushrooms) to Rome’s melt-in-your-mouth buffalo mozzarella. All the delicacies from your favorite cooking show are right there: from the abundant savory chestnuts that are at your feet simply for the gathering to the tartly satisfying Gorgonzola pizzas and gooey fondue of the alpine north.

Time for a swim and a wine after a rewarding days' walk on the Via Francigena |  <i>Allie Peden</i>

And of course, no sojourn would be complete without sampling the most incredible variety of wines. Sip rare local champagnes direct from their caves, sample the refreshing white wines of the Lausanne region, savor deliciously chilled vino bianco at corner cafes from Aosta to the Ligurian Sea. Then continue your gourmet quest south with hearty Tuscan rossos, Chianti and refreshing Brunello of Montalcino, as you wend your way toward serene Lake Bolseno.

Lake Bolseno, Italy |  <i>Brandon Wilson</i>

If you begin in Canterbury, you might be interested in attending a special pilgrim’s blessing at Canterbury Cathedral. As you arrive in Rome, one interesting way to end your pilgrimage is to attend the Pope’s public audience held from 10 am each Wednesday, at this writing. For me, it was an emotional avalanche. It’s such an amazing contrast to walk alone past shepherds and their flocks one minute and emerge in St. Peter’s Square within the hour. Perhaps a hundred thousand folks who had arrived for the 2000 Jubileum Celebration were corralled in front of a diminutive Pontiff bookended by television screens the size of two story buildings.

The faithful had come from around the world. But maybe I was the only pellegrino who had walked there. 

Arriving for Papal audience, St Peter's Square, at the end of the Via Francigena. |  <i>Brandon Wilson</i>

While facing St. Peter’s Basilica, visit the Association Via Francigena’s representative who is located in the Vatican Post Office to your left and in back of the Pope’s podium. There, you will receive a hearty welcome and Vatican postcard stamped with your day of arrival. 

Finally, no matter what your motivation for this journey, take the time to leave yourself open to the “magic” of the experience, the inspiration, your silent companion along the way. Besides relics, relaxation, food and fresh air, you will return to your everyday life with an even more precious memento of the Via Francigena. You will change. Life will never be the same. And perhaps you will have found the answers you truly seek.

Buono viaggio! 

As the Italians say, "Sempre diretto!" 

May the stars light your way 
and may you find the interior road. Forward!
– Traditional Irish farewell


 
About Brandon Wilson

Brandon Wilson is an author and photographer, explorer and adventure travel writer. His other books in this series include: Along the Templar Trail, a Lowell Thomas Gold Award-winner for Best Travel Book, Yak Butter Blues: a Tiben Trek of Faith, an IPPY Award-winner; Over The Top & Back Again: Hiking X The Alps and Dead Men Don’t Leave Tips: Adventures X Africa. His stories also appear in They Lived to Tell the Tale: True Stories of Adventure from the Legendary Explorers Club, The Pilgrimage Chronicles: Embracing the Quest and The Walkabout Chronicles: Epic Journeys by Foot.
 
His photos have won awards from National Geographic Traveler and Islands magazines; his pictorial essay was featured in Naive and Abroad: Spain: Limping 600 Miles Through History by Marcus Wilder.
 
Award-winning author Brandon Wilson |  <i>Brandon Wilson</i>
 
A voracious explorer of nearly one hundred countries, over decades he has trekked many long-distance trails, including: the Camino de Santiago, Camino Catalan, Camino Aragones and Via de la Plata across Spain, and twice the St. Olav’s Way across Norway and Sweden. In 1992, Brandon and his wife Cheryl were the first Western couple to complete the 1100-kilometer pilgrim trail from Lhasa, Tibet to Kathmandu, and he was the first American to traverse the 1850-kilometer Via Francigena from England to Rome. In 2006, he and his French friend re-blazed the 4500-kilometer route of the First Crusades from France to Jerusalem, naming it the Templar Trail, to establish it as a path of peace.
 
Wilson is a member of the Sovereign Hospitaller of St. John of Jerusalem-Knights of Malta, and an International Fellow of the Explorers Club. He currently lives in the French Alps.
 
Books
 
All of Brandon's works are available from Amazon as either e-books or paperbacks, with prices starting from as low as $4. UTracks earns no commission on these links, 100% of it supports Brandon.
 
 
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrandonWilsonauthorexplorer
 
 

Want to walk or cycle the Via Francigena?
 
 
 

 
Have you been inspired to walk the Via Francigena or a different pilgrimage trail? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, or let us know if you've read any of Brandon Wilson's work.
 
  
Via Francigena, Brandon Wilson, Italy, Switzerland, Camino, Italian Camino, Rome

Comments (2)

Pete Bradley

Allie still keen to walk in Italy but what are the chances of it going ahead this year. I still have to convince Caroline to dust off her walking boots and join me
Cheers Pete

4 years ago
Will from UTracks

Hi Pete,
Great to hear you're keen on the Via Francigena - it's a stunning walk! And hopefully Caroline doesn't need much convincing to go hiking in Italy...
Allie will be in touch with you.
Cheers,
Will.

4 years ago
Your comment will be visible after the administrator's approval.







b i u quote


Save Comment
Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips