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Via Francigena: Slow Travel & Hiking in Tuscany

Be it a spiritual journey or a pleasure trip to be enjoyed at a slow pace, the trails and paths of the via Francigena offer a truly unique and gratifying way to visit Tuscany, its landscape, its culture and its people while giving space to satisfying your personal goals. There are over 300 km of trails winding from the northern point of Pontremoli, towards the picturesque town of Lucca. Once only traveled by foot or horse, the options now include biking and even by car, since there a few areas where road travel has been mapped out.

This historic journey follows the hills and valleys, picturesque hamlets and mostly churches, through some of the most famous scenery of Tuscany, passing by towns with a long and rich history such as San Miniato, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Siena and Radicofani. However, for those looking to enjoy some of the points of interest off the beaten track, there are many to be found including little towns like Gambassi Terme, with its thermal waters. In the true sense of these roads, which were never just one but several leading in the same direction, therefore following one of the many side roads you can take time to visit places like Poggibonsi with its Imperial Fortress or Bagno Vignoni and its roman pools.

The leisurely pace, which is all up to you, allows for the opportunity to appreciate a timeless vista - the very same one that the medieval pilgrims gazed upon over a thousand years ago. Stop and visit the same abbey and spedales that welcomed the weary traveller and explore the same castles and roccas that offered them protection and comfort on this long endeavour.

As the Discover Tuscany team follows in their footsteps, we will add our experiences, suggestions and photos in the space below. We are always available for questions and inquiries at our FORUM about where to go, how to get there and where to stay.

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Via Francigena: Follow the Medieval Pilgrimage Route to Rome

Embark on an adventure of a lifetime! Follow the footsteps of medieval pilgrims as they made their way from as far as Canterbury passing through the hills and valleys of Tuscany in search of plenary indulgence from the Pope and God in Rome.

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Do you need a Pilgrim Passport and Testimonium?

How important is it to have your Pilgrim credentials before you start your travels along the via Francigena? These documents, in use since the very first medieval pilgrims, are the first step to embarking on the trip of a lifetime.

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Via Francigena: 15 pieces of Tuscany

Characterized by the variety of the Tuscan landscape, each one of the 15 legs of the via Francigena in Tuscany offers spectacular views, small towns and special quiet moments to commune with nature and its splendors.

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Starting the Via Francigena in Siena

One of the more picturesque sections of the via Francigena takes you from the doors of Siena into the landscape of Val d’Orcia. The perfect way to add some Tuscan adventure in your holiday vacation

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Pontremoli: For Kings, Monks, Saints & Pilgrims

A lively & picturesque town, Pontremoli is considered the “key & door” to Tuscany. Complete with medieval bridges, castles, towers and character, read here to discover the important role this small town played for those traveling on the ancient via Francigena that connected Rome to France and England.

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