The city of Montefiascone, in close collaboration with the European Association of the Via Francigena Ways, the Via Romea Germanica Association, and the Via Romea Strata Association, organised the event “On the Way to the Jubilee 2025” on the 30th and 31st of May 2025.
The year 2025 marks a Holy Year, and it is in this context that the three Romean routes came together in Montefiascone, located just 100 kilometres from the tomb of Saint Peter. Montefiascone is the point where the Via Romea Germanica merges with the Via Francigena, in front of the Basilica of San Flaviano.
It was in this very symbolic city that, in 2005, a landmark event took place for the EAVF network, when the members’ assembly voted to transform the organisation into the European Association of the Via Francigena Ways. This marked an opening towards international routes leading to Jerusalem, going beyond the traditional Sigeric itinerary.
On Friday 30th May, in the distinguished Innocent III Hall of the Rocca dei Papi, renowned scholars of pilgrimage, archaeologists, anthropologists, and representatives of the three routes—Via Francigena, Romea Strata, and Romea Germanica—came together for a day of discussion.
The academic programme included contributions from Carlo Mambriani, coordinator of the EAVF Scientific Committee; Giovanni Caselli, representing the Via Romea Strata; and Sara Zanni, advisor to the Minister for Tourism on pilgrimage routes. A written address by Renato Stopani on the historical evolution of Sigeric’s route was also read aloud.
As for the project-based presentations, speakers included Sami Tawfik from the EAVF, Viola Gaudiano from the Romea Strata, and Massimiliano Zocchi and Alberto Metendi from the Romea Germanica.
During the conference, a poignant tribute was paid to the late EAVF President, Massimo Tedeschi. A commemorative plaque was unveiled by the municipal administration in his honour, with the Mayor, Giulia De Santis, and Councillor Renato Trapè in attendance. This moment of remembrance was shared symbolically with EAVF President Francesco Ferrari, Director Luca Bruschi, and Project Manager Sami Tawfik.
At the conclusion of the conference, the local food and wine specialities of the Tuscia region were showcased in collaboration with Coldiretti. The evening ended with a classical music concert, organised by the “Domus Musica” Association.
On Saturday 31st May, a gathering of pilgrims from various regions took place in front of the Basilica of San Flaviano. After a greeting and blessing by the Bishop of the Diocese of Viterbo, Monsignor Orazio Francesco Piazza, and the titular Archbishop of Montefiascone, Monsignor Fabio Fabene, participants visited the Exhibition on Pilgrimage, held on the upper floor of the Basilica. The day concluded with a walk along the Via Francigena, accompanied by historical re-enactors from Montefiascone’s traditional parade, leading to the Co-Cathedral of Santa Margherita, a designated Jubilee Church.
