Category: news_en

From 1 February 2025, a new figure welcomes pilgrims to the historic English Cathedral

In recognition of the growing importance of pilgrimage, Canterbury Cathedral has appointed Torin Brown as its new Pilgrim Officer, with the role officially in effect from 1 February 2025. This newly created post marks the first time in recent memory that the Cathedral has had a dedicated representative for pilgrims—both those arriving at Canterbury and those setting off on their journey along the Via Francigena towards Rome.

Torin is no stranger to Canterbury Cathedral. Following a life-changing pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in 2019, he returned to Canterbury to study theology and began working at the Cathedral as a student. Deeply moved by his own experience as a pilgrim, Torin began personally welcoming those arriving in the city, offering them a passport stamp, a walk to the Pilgrim Stone, and—when requested—a blessing. “Many pilgrims arrive full of mixed emotions: joy at reaching their destination, and sadness that the journey is over,” he explains. “That’s where a warm and personal welcome can make all the difference.”

Born and raised near Canterbury, with a professional background in television and film, and a lifelong passion for music, Torin is a familiar face in the Cathedral community. In his new role, he aims to establish a dedicated pilgrim office within the Cathedral: a space where visitors can check in, receive their stamp, enjoy a coffee, share their journey, and receive spiritual support.

A central focus will be the legacy of Sigeric, the Archbishop of Canterbury whose 10th-century travel journal laid the foundations for the modern Via Francigena. Torin also plans to promote the meaning of pilgrimage today through exhibitions, talks, and cultural events.

Those setting off for Rome are often met with a blend of excitement, emotion, and, as Torin puts it, “happy nerves.” His advice for departing pilgrims? “Ask for me when you arrive! I’ll stamp your pilgrim passport, help arrange a blessing with our chaplain, and walk you to the Zero Stone for a photo to share on Instagram: @canterburypilgrims.”

And what about Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales—do they still hold relevance today? “I believe they do,” says Torin. “Modern pilgrimage is about communitas—the spontaneous, meaningful connection between strangers who share a common goal. It’s about stories, meals, and moments shared along the way.”

Torin’s favourite spot within the Cathedral? “The crypt, where I often reflect on St Anselm and his ontological argument. There’s something incredibly powerful about sitting in a place where he once walked and thought.”
And outside? “The Thomas Tallis pub, just past Northgate. I love his music—especially Spem in alium—and to me, pilgrimage pairs perfectly with a good pint of English ale.”

📩 Contact: pilgrims@canterbury-cathedral.org
📍 In person: Ask for Torin at the Cathedral Bookshop
🔗 Pilgrimage info: canterbury-cathedral.org/worship/pilgrimage
📘 English guide to the Via Francigena: Cicerone Guide – Part 1

From 13 to 15 June 2025, the European Association of the Via Francigena Ways will be taking part in the new edition of the Grandes Heures Nature Festival in Besançon. This must-attend event dedicated to outdoor sports will be held in the Parc Chamars, in the heart of the city, and will offer a rich programme combining sporting competitions, events, beginners’ courses and new experiences. Eight major sporting events are on offer, ranging from trail running to paddle boarding, climbing, mountain biking and even a gourmet walk.

In this dynamic and festive setting, the Via Francigena will be taking place in a space dedicated to the exploration of long-distance hiking trails, cycling adventures and slow tourism. The EAVF will have a stand there and will be promoting the route to the public with a very special feature: a major competition to win a Ferrino hiking bag, one of the EAVF’s sporting partners. 

Last year, almost 22.000 visitors took part in the Festival, and visitors are becoming increasingly familiar with the route. We hope that this new edition will bring back even more participants, nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.

For more information on the Festival visit www.grandes-heures-nature.fr/festival-2025/

photo credits www.grandes-heures-nature.fr/festival-2025/

On Monday, 3 June 2025, the staff of the European Association of the Via Francigena Ways gathered in Fidenza, in Emilia-Romagna region, for an important meeting focused on shaping the strategic plan for the 2026–2028 period. 

Key Themes of the Meeting 

The session was marked by active group work and strong collaboration among participants. Central to the discussion was the need to strengthen communication and connections between the Association, local municipalities, the Friends of the Via Francigena, local authorities, and all those involved along the route. The aim is to build an even more cohesive and dynamic network throughout the territory. 

Another key focus was the European dimension of the route. The Via Francigena is not only a spiritual and cultural journey, but also a tangible symbol of transnational cooperation, uniting regions and communities through shared values. This is clearly demonstrated by European projects such as HIKE and DETOUR, in which EAVF plays an active role. 

Throughout the day, participants also explored ways to improve the experience of both pilgrims and organisations operating along the route. Discussion centred on delivering more efficient services, fostering open dialogue, and creating tools for participation. Particular emphasis was placed on the crucial role of local small and medium-sized enterprises, which contribute significantly to the path’s economy by offering hospitality, food, support, and authentic experiences—while also benefiting directly from the tourism generated by the Via Francigena. 

A specific focus was dedicated to sustainability. The need emerged for concrete tools to measure and communicate the environmental, social, and economic impact of the route, making its value as a model for slow and responsible tourism ever more visible and tangible. 

Finally, strategies were discussed to better engage local authorities along the route and to enhance the visibility and importance of the official Via Francigena Pilgrim Passport—not only as a means of identification for walkers, but also as a cultural and spiritual symbol of the journey. 

The day concluded with a convivial toast, where participants shared a glass of Champagne Blanc de Noirs “Champagne de Barfontarc”, brought directly from the recent General Assembly held in Troyes—a fitting tribute to the European spirit that continues to define the Via Francigena. 

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.

The European Association of the Via Francigena ways (EAVF) has launched the fourth edition of the “Via Francigena International Award”, with the aim of highlighting the good practices implemented by its Members and Friends for the development and promotion of the itinerary.

Step-by-step participation guide:

1️⃣ EAVF Members and Friends are invited to submit their application , one for each theme, briefly describing an activity related to the Via Francigena, carried out in their local area between 01.01.2024 and 31.12.2024.

The application form lists 5 different themes: a maximum of 5 forms can be submitted, which means 1 activity per theme, by Wednesday 30 July 2025.

👉🏻 Click here to apply for the Via Francigena Award 2025 👈🏻

2️⃣ All submitted best practices will be shared with Members and Friends and published on the website www.viefrancigene.org, in a dedicated section.

3️⃣ The three best practices, selected by an international evaluation panel appointed by the EAVF President, will be awarded during the General Assembly, to be held in Rome on Friday 7 November 2025.

Our sincere appreciation to all those who will participate!

🏅 Discover the winners of previous editions.

Tourism professionals, business associations, public authorities, and local stakeholders: the call is now open to join the Train the Trainers programme, part of the European project DETOUR – Developing Resilient Tourism Ecosystems along Mediterranean Routes.

Co-funded by the European Union and running from November 2025 to September 2027, DETOUR brings together eight international partners and aims to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of tourism SMEs along four cultural routes: the Via Francigena (Italy), the Lycian Way (Türkiye), the Sultan’s Trail (Bulgaria), and the mountain trail network in Greece (Mount Olympos, Kissavos, Mavrovouni).

An opportunity for growth and networking for trainers and stakeholders

The Train the Trainers programme is designed for tourism experts, consultants, DMOs, representatives of local authorities, and academics with experience in supporting tourism SMEs and related sectors (e.g. agri-food, crafts, culture, etc.). Selected participants will receive free training (both online and in person) during the period from 1 August to 30 November 2025, covering key topics for the future of the sector: sustainability, digitalisation, resilience, and tourism product innovation.

Certified DETOUR Trainers will join a European network of professionals and take part in hands-on mentoring activities for local SMEs. They will also support businesses in accessing micro-financing of up to €25,000 for green and digital innovation projects.

How to apply

Applications are open until 15 July 2025 at 17:00 CET. To apply, candidates must:

• Fill out the online application form (link)
  
• Submit a CV in English
  
• Submit a motivation letter in English (max. 1 page), outlining relevant skills, experience, and motivation related to the themes of the green and digital transition in tourism.
  

📌 This is a unique opportunity to strengthen your expertise, join a European knowledge network, and contribute to the development of the Via Francigena and other cultural routes through sustainable tourism.

For more information, contact: detour@comune.fidenza.pr.it
👉 Learn more about the DETOUR project: LINK

During the first General Assembly of 2025, held on 17 May in Troyes, the important collaboration agreement between the European Association of the Via Francigena Ways (EAVF) and the Fédération Française de la Randonnée Pédestre (FFRP) — the leading organisation for the promotion and management of the hiking network in France — was officially renewed.

Sealing the partnership was a symbolic handshake between EAVF President Francesco Ferrari and FFRP President Frédéric Montoya, reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening the management, promotion, and visibility of the Via Francigena on French territory. Particular focus was placed on the GR145 route, under the stewardship of the FFRP and supported by a large network of local volunteers.

In his address, President Ferrari emphasised the international dimension of the Via Francigena, recognised as a Cultural Route by the Council of Europe in 1994. He also reiterated the importance of collaboration between local authorities, institutions, and associations to ensure the route becomes increasingly accessible, valued, and sustainable along its entire length.

This renewed agreement marks a concrete step towards building an integrated European model for managing the route, fully aligned with the values promoted by the Council of Europe and the shared goals of soft mobility, environmental sustainability, cross-border cooperation, and intercultural dialogue.

The choice of Troyes as the venue for the General Assembly was no coincidence. The city, deeply rooted in the history of the Via Francigena, is currently investing in urban regeneration through the revitalisation of the historic pilgrimage route.

With this renewed partnership, the Via Francigena continues to affirm itself as an evolving European project — one that connects regions and communities, promoting a vision of Europe based on culture, sustainability, and unity.

During the EAVF General Assembly held in Troyes (Aube, France) on 16 May 2025, new institutional members were officially welcomed into the EAVF network, which now includes 250 municipalities, provinces, and regions across the four countries of the Via Francigena!

This significant new milestone was achieved thanks to the membership of the municipalities of Ballaigues and Sainte-Croix (Vaud), Poggibonsi (Tuscany), Monterosi (Lazio), Santa Cesarea (Apulia), and the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve (Apulia).

A symbolic and meaningful achievement for the EAVF, which in the Jubilee Year is welcoming an ever-increasing number of municipalities, public bodies, and private organisations from Italy, France, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, all committed to walking together along the 3,200 km cultural, historical, and tourist route of the Via Francigena through Europe.

A key moment in the recent international development of the network was undoubtedly the relay “Via Francigena Road to Rome 2021. Start again!”, organised to mark the association’s 20th anniversary. This initiative gave new impetus to the growth and sharing of the Via Francigena project, particularly thanks to the many meetings chaired by founder Massimo Tedeschi with mayors, local authorities, associations, and organisations along the route.

Looking to the future

Being part of the EAVF network means actively contributing to the building of a more connected Europe — one made up of people, ideas, and opportunities. This shared commitment is also reflected in European projects such as Detour, aimed at developing SMEs along the Francigena route by enhancing the local economy and the areas it traverses.

The EAVF membership network allows for the coordinated development of services for pilgrims, strengthening the visibility of the regions involved and supporting the path toward a major shared goal: the recognition of the Via Francigena as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.