Issue 59 of the biannual magazine “Via Francigena and the European Cultural Routes” is out now, this time focusing on Rome and the Jubilee Year: a valuable opportunity for the development of the Via Francigena, blending culture, spirituality and sustainable tourism, on the path towards UNESCO certification.
A special issue for a special year
At the heart of this edition is Rome and the 2025 Jubilee, presented through a comprehensive lens: cultural insights, rising statistics, enhancement initiatives, and hospitality projects such as that led by the Fabbrica di San Pietro and the Homo Viator Foundation.
Many people who have always postponed their journey along the Via Francigena have set out specifically for the Jubilee of the Roman Catholic Church and the administration of Italy’s capital seized the opportunity to invest resources in improving the accessibility of the religious routes leading to Rome. “We took advantage of the Jubilee’s resources to enrich the experience of pilgrims. We have enhanced the trails of the Northern Via Francigena, with its extraordinary views on Monte Mario – known as “Mons Gaudi” -, as well as the paths of the Saint Francis Way and the Southern Via Francigena, while also fostering collaboration among organisations and associations, with particular attention to inclusivity and accessibility, which remain our priorities”, explains Sabrina Alfonsi, Councillor for Agriculture, Environment and Waste Cycle of Rome Capital, in the special edition.
Not just Rome
Among the main topics of this issue is a detailed account of the General Assembly in Troyes, France, held last May, which marked the milestone of 250 institutional members within the EAVF network. A strong focus is also placed on accessibility, highlighting the Vademecum for creating accessible routes — developed by the EAVF in collaboration with Free Wheels and supported by the Lombardy Region.
The magazine also explores the synergy between pilgrimage routes, businesses, and local development through projects like DETOUR, the first European initiative entirely dedicated to supporting sustainable tourism and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) along Europe’s main walking routes.
This edition also showcases various activities in England, France, Switzerland, and Italy —from major promotional fairs to in-depth features on different Via Francigena regions, ranging from Aube in France to Palestro in Lombardy and the marble of Pietrasanta in Tuscany.
Highlights include updates from the United Kingdom, such as the launch of the Francigena Britannica – a new 146 km extension between London and Canterbury – and the appointment of Torin Brown as the new “Pilgrims Officer” at Canterbury Cathedral. This “kilometre zero” of the Via Francigena now has a dedicated figure to welcome pilgrims travelling towards Rome.
Also featured are long-standing partnerships with public and private entities that support the promotion of the route, including historic collaborations with the Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto Toscano DOP consortia, and outdoor brands Garmont and Ferrino Outdoor, who have supported the Association for years with technical gear for walkers. The magazine is published by long-time editorial partner Studio Guidotti (Parma).
Don’t miss this content-rich issue, full of insights and stories celebrating one of Europe’s most fascinating cultural routes. Happy reading – and happy walking!
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