Via Francigena Blog

17 September 2026

Montefiascone and the Via Francigena | History & Stage Guide

Discover Montefiascone on the Via Francigena, a historic hilltop town marking the final 100 km of the pilgrimage to Rome. Explore ancient Roman roads, medieval churches, the Rocca dei Papi, panoramic views of Lake Bolsena and the famous Est! Est!! Est!!! wine.

17 September 2026

Via Francigena in Viterbo, Italy | History & Stage Guide

Discover Viterbo on the Via Francigena, one of Italy’s most fascinating medieval pilgrimage stops. Explore the historic City of the Popes, ancient Etruscan sites, medieval streets, thermal springs and local food and wine as you follow the Via Francigena towards Rome.

17 September 2026

Via Francigena in Besançon, France | History & Stage Guide

Discover Besançon on the Via Francigena, a historic pilgrimage route through France. Explore the UNESCO-listed Citadel, Roman Porte Noire and the 26 km stage to Foucherans.

16 September 2026

Sigeric and Glastonbury

17 May 2026

Canterbury to Dover Highlights

Womenswold The Via Francigena pilgrimage begins in Canterbury. VFFE-001 is the first walk from Canterbury to Shepherdswell. Via Francigena English villages along the way are highlights. Womenswold, prononounced ‘Willins-wold” has charming thatched cottages and the historic Church of St Margaret of Antioch. Its name has interesting and varied Anglo-Saxon origins. It first appears in a

6 January 2023

Via Francigena Proceno to Acquapendente

Via Francigena Proceno to Acquapendente is an alternative route in Stage 37. There are many reasons for choosing this variant. Firstly, it avoids Via Cassia traffic. Most importantly, the well-preserved family owned Castle is a highlight of the medieval town. Also, along with Acquapendente, it is an entry point of the Via Francigena to Lazio.

5 January 2023

Montefiascone to Rome Via Francigena

Via Francigena Montefiascone to Rome is the last 100 km of the Via Francigena from Canterbury to Rome. Walking this last 100 km is a requirement for receiving the pilgrim Testimonium in Rome. There are six stages to walk which take six days or longer for a slower more relaxed walk. Every stage if filled

15 December 2022

Via Francigena Stage 41 Viterbo to Vetralla

Via Francigena Stage 41 Viterbo to Vetralla Leaving Viterbo Via Francigena Stage 41 Viterbo to Vetralla is an 18 km easy walk with a steep section towards the end. The walk departs from Piazza San Lorenzo, under the Loggia of the Palazzo dei Papi. Walk under the arch, down the flight of stairs and turn

21 April 2022

The Via Francigena begins in England

The Historic Via Francigena The Via Francigena begins in England at Canterbury Cathedral! The pilgrimage is based on the journey made by Sigeric, Abbot of Canterbury Cathedral in 990 AD. Pope John XV appointed him Archbishop of Canterbury. Consequently, he had to walk to Rome for his ordination and receive his pallium vestment. After that

8 August 2021

Via Francigena Stage 35 from Ponte d’Arbia

Via Francigena Stage 35 Via Francigena Stage 35 from Ponte d’Arbia to San Quirico d’Orcia is a demanding walk with steep ascents and long distance. On this walk you will visit three of Sigeric’s Stopovers. It begins at Ponte d’Arbia which was his XIV or 14th place of rest, Arbia. Then on to Torrenieri, his

24 July 2021

Ponte d’Arbia Sigeric’s Stopover XIV

Ponte d’Arbia is Sigeric’s Stopover XIV along the Via Francigena pilgrim route. This means it was his 14th overnight stop on his way home to Canterbury in 990 AD. ‘Arbia’ was its name in Sigeric’s day. Ponte d’Arbia is located on the slopes of the Crete Senesi, the ancient desert of Accona. Water partly submerged

18 July 2021

Via Francigena Stage 34 Siena to Ponte d’Arbia

Via Francigena Stage 34 Siena to Ponte d’Arbia Via Francigena Stage 34 is a 26 km walk from Siena to Ponte d’Arbia. For the first 10 km there is a gradual descent from about 350 m to 190 m. After that, it is a level walk through the Tuscan ‘badlands’ for another 6 km. Despite

30 June 2021

Rome Sigeric’s Stopover I Urbs Roma

Rome Urbs Roma Sigeric’s Stopover I Rome is Sigeric’s Stopover I, Urbs Roma. It is the place where Archbishop Sigeric began his return journey to Canterbury in 990 AD. He had just walked all the way from Canterbury to Rome. His top priority was to visit the Pope and receive his Archbishop vestment called a

20 June 2021

Via Francigena Stage 40 Montefiascone to Viterbo

Via Francigena Stage 40 Montefiascone to Viterbo Via Francigena stage 40 is an easy 18 km walk. There is a steep descent for about 6 km through the streets of Montefiascone and then the ancient Via Cassia Antica. For the next 6 km it is an easy level walk through fields and meadows surrounded by

13 June 2021

Via Francigena Stage 39 Bolsena to Montefiascone

Via Francigena Stage 39 starts in Bolsena Via Francigena Stage 39 Bolsena to Montefiascone is a 20 km walk. It is average in length, but has some demanding elevations. Santa Cristina Basilica is the starting point. Then there is a steep ascent to Monti Vulsini at 475 m elevation. At this height there are spectacular

31 May 2021

Via Francigena Stage 38 Acquapendente to Bolsena

Via Francigena Stage 38 is from Acquapendente to Bolsena. In 2018 Carol the Pilgrim walked in a marathon from Acquapendente with over 2000 people all clad in bright orange shirts. To date, this is her favourite stage 38 walk. So the photos and description of this stage are from the marathon. It is a 24

15 March 2021

Via Francigena and Viterbo

Viterbo History In medieval times Viterbo was an important Via Francigena pilgrim destination. In 990 BCE Archbishop Sigeric noted in is diary that it was the 6th place where he stayed. ‘Sce Valentine’ was its name then. Most likely, Bulicame, near Viterbo was the exact location. This area is famous for its thermal springs. So

8 September 2020

Via Francigena Taste of Tuscany from Siena

Via Francigena Taste of Tuscany tour from Siena to Radicofani is designed to minimise long walks and maximise enjoyment of Tuscan history, culture, food and wine. In addition, our experienced guides will give you tips on photography and sketching along the way! Our Taste of Tuscany tour begins with two days in Florence, followed by

6 September 2020

Via Francigena Taste of Tuscany Tour

Via Francigena Taste of Tuscany Tour Via Francigena Taste of Tuscany Tour was scheduled to start on Friday 4th September 2020. Sadly, the coronavirus meant we had to cancel the tour. Since we can’t go on the tour, please join us on a virtual jourey! Several aspects of this tour that set it apart from

12 June 2020

Via Francigena and Siena Sigeric’s Stopover XV

Via Francigena and Siena The Via Francigena in Siena is not to be missed for many reasons. Firstly, Siena or Seocine (XV) is Sigeric’s 15th place of rest. Today, we can join Sigeric and pilgrims of old and enjoy Siena! My favourite reason is to see the Allegory of Good and Bad Government fresco by

4 June 2020

Via Francigena and Le Briccole

Sigeric’s Stopover XI, Abricula Le Briccole is a group of abandoned buildings along the Via Francigena. It is where Archbishop Sigeric stayed when he walked the Via Francigena in 990 AD. But, in those days it was called Abricula. Today Le Briccole is only accessible on foot. So you have to walk to see it!

13 May 2020

Acquapendente Pugnaloni Festival

This week I would have been packing my suitcase ready to fly to Rome for the Acquapendente Pugnaloni Festival. Instead of the excitement of the real event I sit at home sharing my reflections of past festivals. So, why am I so disappointed about missing out on the Pugnaloni? The History The Acquapendente Pugnaloni Festival

29 February 2020

Lost in Florence at Midnight

Carol the Pilgrim heads to Florence Carol the Pilgrim was heading back to Switzerland after her Via Francigena adventures in Tuscany. A weird mix of events led her to become ‘Lost in Florence at Midnight’. It all began with the train trip from Orvieto to Florence. It was one of those usual delays where the

23 February 2020

Via Francigena and the Bolsena Eucharistic Miracle

‘Signora! Signora! Basta! No! No!’ Carol the Pilgrim was very pleased to be a part of the Via Francigena and the Bolsena Eucharistic Miracle. But, the truth is she had sinned! Despite her very best efforts, her clumsy foot managed to dislodge several flowers from under the arm pit of the sleeping Santa Cristina. As

5 January 2020

Via Francigena in Switzerland

The Via Francigena in Switzerland Switzerland took hold of my life many years ago! Ever since, it has held me captive! I love the Alps, the Lakes, the Valleys, the Castles and Cathedrals, and all of its history and culture. But what I love most is the feeling of leaving the busy world behind and

5 January 2020

Via Francigena and Sigeric’s Stopovers

5 January 2020

Via Francigena begins at Canterbury Cathedral

Arriving at Canterbury Cathedral The Via Francigena begins at Canterbury Cathedral! Enter the Cathedral precincts under the watchful eye of Christ surrounded by his angels. Then head for the zero milestone for a photo. After that visit the mighty Cathedral. And don’t forget your first pilgrim stamp. Christianity comes to England Canterbury Cathedral has a