Category: news_en

The European Association of the Via Francigena Ways is pleased to announce that the Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome (CPR) will hold its annual conference on 15th March 2025 at St. George’s Cathedral in Southwark, London. This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to hear stories from pilgrims who have walked the Via Francigena, and to learn from their tales and experiences about how to plan your own journey along this historic route. 

2025 Conference: “The Many Ways to Rome” 

This year, the conference will focus on how pilgrims can personalise their journey by deviating from the official route at certain stages or extending the trip, both before Canterbury and after Rome. The idea is to explore the flexibility of the Via Francigena, which offers endless possibilities to tailor the journey to the individual needs and desires of each pilgrim. 

The day, which will be filled with inspiration and useful information for those wishing to embark on their pilgrimage along this historic route, will begin at 10:00 for those wishing to participate in the guided walk from St. Paul’s Cathedral to the conference venue. Led by Brian Mooney, Vice President of the Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome and an experienced pilgrim who has walked both directions, from Rome to London and vice versa, alongside Eamonn Mullally, Trustee of the Confraternity and an official London tour guide, the walk will conclude at St. George’s Cathedral. 

The official conference proceedings will begin at 13:00 at Amigo Hall, within St. George’s Cathedral. During the break at 12:30, tea and coffee will be available for participants. 

The Speakers 

Throughout the conference, there will be numerous talks by experts in the field: 

• Ben Eley will share his journey that combined the Via Francigena with the Via Sacra (Western Front Way). Ben walked from Rome to London, deviating at various points from the Via Francigena to follow the Via Sacra, creating a route that recalls the battles of the First World War. During his talk, he will share his motivations and the experiences he had along this road of remembrance. 

• Sandy Brown and Nicole Bukaty will present their Guide to the Southern Via Francigena, which stretches from Rome to the heel of Italy, at Santa Maria di Leuca. Through the cities of Bari, Brindisi, and Lecce, and landscapes ranging from hills to olive groves, Sandy and Nicole will explore the wonders of this lesser-known but equally fascinating section of the Via Francigena. 

• Finally, there will be an update on the British Francigena, which has recently received official recognition as a historic connection to the Via Francigena. This new stretch links London to Canterbury and represents an incredible cultural addition to the historic route. 

At the end of the talks, there will be an opportunity to take part in a panel of experienced pilgrims who will be available to answer questions from the audience and help participants plan their journey, offering practical advice and inspiring stories. 

During the event, attendees will also have the chance to meet volunteers from the Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome and learn how to contribute to supporting the organisation. 

Additionally, there will be opportunities to join or renew membership. Members enjoy free access to both the walk and the conference, so for anyone not yet a member, this is the perfect occasion to sign up and enjoy all the benefits offered. 

Finally, at 15:30, the event will move to the Three Stags pub for a more informal gathering, where participants can continue to exchange experiences, ask questions, and share stories about their pilgrimage along the Via Francigena. 

In short, a unique experience in the heart of London, to listen to, tell, and share stories about the Via Francigena from England to Puglia. 

The Via Francigena promotes itself in France: the Italian regions crossed by this European cultural route will be present at the international fair “Salon Destinations Nature” 2025 in Paris.

The Italian Lazio Region, as the lead partner of the “Communication and Promotion Plan of the Via Francigena” project (Development and Cohesion Fund, sheet 33 of the Italian Ministry of Tourism), will take part in the trade fair Salon Destinations Nature in Paris from 13 to 16 March 2025, alongside the regions of Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Liguria, Lombardy, Apulia, Piedmont, Tuscany, and Valle d’Aosta. The event will showcase the Via Francigena route to the general public, with a particular focus on the entire Italian section, from Valle d’Aosta to Apulia.

The Paris event (with over 20,000 visitors) is one of the most important in the European outdoor and trails sector. At the Via Francigena stand, the Lazio Region’s Director of Tourism, Paolo Giuntarelli, will be present alongside tourism department official Gianluca Perla. Italian representatives in France from ENIT, ICE, and the Consular offices, as well as several specialised tour operators, will also be involved.

At Salon Destinations Nature, all the latest news related to hiking and outdoor activities will be presented, offering travel ideas with a focus on the Via Francigena to those pilgrims and hikers planning their next journey.

The four-day event will feature workshops, conferences, and meetings with bloggers specialising in outdoor and sports activities. This fair is a key European meeting point for nature lovers and an unmissable opportunity for the Via Francigena to gain greater recognition among the French public, whose presence along the route is increasingly significant, as confirmed by 2024 data on visitor numbers.

The Italian Ministry of Tourism and all the regions crossed by the Via Francigena are making substantial investments in the development of the route during the Jubilee year, convinced that 2025 will shine a spotlight on the trail at an international level. It is essential that this investment continues to improve safety, hospitality, signage, accessibility, and services along the route to make the Via Francigena ever more accessible.

The communication initiatives of the project are supported by the European Association of the Via Francigena ways, which, thanks to the same FSC funding and under the coordination of the Lazio Region, is working on the restyling of the new website and app, due to be completed by June.

Smart business on the italian Via Francigena for accommodations

Free hotel training with SloWays and BehaviorSMART

This innovative program, based on behavioral science, aims to reduce the operating costs of facilities, reduce environmental impact, and improve the traveler experience through more effective communication through techniques such as “nudging.”  The initiative includes online meetings, a digital platform, and the study of the results by the University of Surrey.

SloWays brand of S-Cape Partners Italy, a Tour Operator specializing in slow walking and cycling trips on the great routes, is official partner of the European Association of the Via Francigena Ways, launches the Smart Business Accelerator program for Hoteliers in collaboration with BehaviorSMART and the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management of the University of Surrey, UK.

Registration is open from 7th to 17th March 2025

“As SloWays, we are aware of the environmental impact of tourism and have set ourselves the ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero. With a view to innovation, we offer this activation of resource optimisation free of charge to accommodation facilities to help them reduce their costs while improving their environmental footprint and improve services along the Via Francigena. In the future, we aim to expand this methodology to other paths and territories, with a replicable and scalable model.”

— Tullia Caballero, Director of Sloways

This route, free for the first 20 properties registered along the Italian Via Francigena, will help hoteliers adopt innovative solutions to align with the growing demand for sustainable stays, at no additional cost to customers as per Expedia’s Research of 2022. The program will optimize cost management and improve the quality of the traveller experience through more effective communication.

The program includes about 10 hours of investment, divided into 4 online meetings of 40 minutes during which are discussed the progress and any challenges in the process and the use of the beSMART digital platform which takes accommodations through mini-actions that activate the desired change in communication and operations. Participating hoteliers will be able to follow the change activation at their own pace, through thematic modules that provide concrete and easy-to-implement tips.

“The approach we use at BehaviorSMART for this project is based on the principles of behavioral economics and psychology. We analyze how travelers make decisions and use the design of choices to guide them towards actions that benefit companies, travelers and the destination.”

— Milena S. Nikolova, PhD Founder, Expert in behavioral economics in tourism.

The program

The program will provide participating hoteliers with coaching and a digital guided execution tool offering practical business tips based on human psychology. You can apply them and improve your communications, pricing, guest satisfaction, and operations. Through visual cues, persuasive messages, and predefined choices, nudging helps to positively influence behaviors, without imposing restrictions

Practical examples include: Visual incentives to encourage towel reuse and reduce daily linen change for extended stays, and installing filtered water fountains to reduce plastic bottle consumption.tag.

In addition to the practical value, the project has a strong scientific and educational component, as it will be part of a study conducted by the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management of the University of Surrey (UK). The results of the actions implemented by hoteliers will be monitored and analysed to provide scientific evidence of the effectiveness of the changes introduced. The project is coordinated by Professor Xavier Font, who has trained over 5,000 reception facilities on how to improve and communicate their commitment to sustainability.

Participation – worth about 900 euros per facility – will be completely free for the first 20 registered facilities, while another 10 facilities will be able to participate at the special price of 250 euros. The costs of the program will be fully covered by SloWays, which has included this initiative in its annual plan of actions to support environmental and social sustainability.

To register for the program visit this link

Registration is open from 7th to 17th March 2025.

Meet the Via Francigena and Sloways at the “Fa’ la cosa Giusta!” fair from 14th to 16th March 2025.

This year, the European Association of the Via Francigena Ways (EAVF) is once again participating in “Fa’ la cosa giusta!” in Milan, the fair that promotes sustainability and responsible tourism. EAVF will have a stand to present numerous new developments, including new strategic partnerships. One of the highlights will be the official announcement of the agreement with FIAB – the Italian Federation for Environment and Bicycles – and Movimento Lento, which will take place on Sunday, 16th of march at 12:00. This significant collaboration stems from the shared desire to develop and promote the Ciclovia Francigena, a cycling route that follows, as much as possible, the path of the historic Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route that connected Canterbury to Rome and continued all the way to Santa Maria di Leuca. 

FIAB is joining the long-established and now well-established partnership between EAVF and Movimento Lento, the Slow Tourism Network, a project conceived and coordinated by ItinerAria Srl, which has supported the Via Francigena since 2016, with the first event trip undertaken to highlight the now passable Ciclovia Francigena. 

The route is currently being developed and improved, designed for cycling tourists who wish to traverse scenic landscapes, historic villages, and natural areas along the ancient pilgrimage trail. Unlike the pedestrian Via Francigena, which follows paths and dirt roads, the Ciclovia is designed to ensure safety and accessibility for cyclists, prioritising low-traffic roads and existing cycle paths. 

The collaboration with FIAB, the key organisation for the EuroVelo 5 Via Romea (Francigena) route, from Pavia to Rome, also aims to encourage cycling mobility in anticipation of the 2025 Jubilee. The project seeks to connect various regions of Italy, offering new opportunities for cycle tourism. 

EAVF and FIAB, united in promoting cycle tourism along the Via Francigena 

FIAB is an environmental organisation that advocates for the bicycle as an eco-friendly mode of transport, encouraging active mobility in everyday life and cycle tourism, promoting sustainable lifestyles for the health of the planet and the well-being of people. FIAB brings together 180 local associations across Italy, and on the international stage, it coordinates with the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF). Since 2011, FIAB has been the contact point for EuroVelo, the network of cycle routes across Europe, and since September 2024, it has served as the Coordination Centre for EuroVelo in Italy. In this role, it engages with regional authorities and both public and private partners to develop and strengthen the routes that cross the country. 

FIAB carries out advocacy activities with events and projects aimed at making roads and cities more livable and safer, as well as promoting cycle tourism and the culture of responsible travel. 

The future of sustainable tourism 

The agreement with FIAB and Movimento Lento strengthens collaboration between institutions and associations to promote slow, sustainable mobility. During the event, EAVF will present best practices for enhancing walking routes and green paths, illustrating the role of the Ciclovia Francigena in the development of active tourism. This will be an opportunity to explore the potential of these routes for local communities and to spread a model of tourism that respects the environment and values the territories and communities that inhabit them. 

A 2025 journey along the Francigena Britannica: the connection between London and Canterbury is one of the most exciting developments in the Jubilee year. Here are all the details about the new route, approved during the latest EAVF General Assembly and soon to be officially inaugurated.

Seven stages, 146 km to be covered on foot or by bicycle through the south of England—a connection of great cultural significance. This is how the Francigena Britannica presents itself: an extension of the Via Francigena that, following ancient paths, links che capital London to Canterbury, the city of the renowned Archbishop Sigeric and the starting point (kilometre zero) of the Via Francigena.

British Francigena: The CPR Project Becomes Reality

This ambitious project was developed within the Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome (CPR). This volunteer association, affiliated with AEVF, has been bringing together English-speaking walkers since 2006 and has been working on the recognition of the Francigena Britannica since 2021.

The new connecting route between Southwark Cathedral in London and the city of Canterbury retraces the historic pilgrimage path known as the ‘Via Britannica’, famously described by Geoffrey Chaucer in The Canterbury Tales in the 14th century. The Via Britannica is therefore an important pilgrimage route in its own right, but also a logical, natural, and cultural extension of the certified Via Francigena route.

This project represents an unmissable opportunity for the development of the Francigena and slow tourism in England, paving the way for the Francigena Britannica to take shape.

From Initial Checks to EAVF Member Approval

After years of research, meticulous dossier preparation, and submission to EAVF for evaluation, the summer of 2024 marked a turning point for the project, bringing it closer to completion:

• In June, a technical inspection of the route took place, attended by Luca Bruschi and Luca Faravelli, respectively EAVF Director and Project Manager, accompanied by Giancarlo Laurenzi, Honorary President of CPR.
• In July, the Bishops of London, Southwark, and Dover joined the charitable association Pilgrims to Rome for the first official event along the route.

On Friday, 18th October 2024, the EAVF General Assembly, held in Monte Sant’Angelo, Puglia, unanimously approved the Francigena Britannica.

WATCH THE VIDEO INTERVIEW

The Route at a Glance

The Francigena Britannica intersects seven well-marked existing trails: Thames Path, Green Chain Walk, Darent Valley Walk, Pilgrims Way, North Downs Way, Medway River Walk, and Stour Valley Way. Only 21 km of the route have been newly designated specifically for this project.

The 7 official stages are as follows:

• London (Southwark Cathedral) – Abbey Wood – 17 km
• Abbey Wood – Dartford – 21 km
• Dartford – Otford – 20 km
• Otford – Peter’s Bridge – 24 km
• Peter’s Bridge – Hollingbourne – 19 km
• Hollingbourne – Boughton Lees – 21 km
• Boughton Lees – Canterbury – 24 km

The European route maintains Canterbury as kilometre zero of the Via Francigena. However, thanks to this new extension, the Via Francigena in the UK will now cover 177 km, passing through London, Dartford, Canterbury, and Dover.

London and Rome Draw Closer

Strongly supported by EAVF and Canterbury’s local authorities, this project brings London and Rome even closer in a pivotal year for the Via Francigena and pilgrimage routes. Marked by the Jubilee on one hand and a growing interest in walking tourism on the other, 2025 will see an increasing number of travellers who are conscious of sustainability and their environmental impact, even when journeying.

In this context, we are confident that the Francigena Britannica will be a highly appreciated addition among pilgrims, outdoor enthusiasts, and international travellers alike!

You may also be interested in the following articles:

• Three bishops on the road to inaugurate the Francigena Britannica
• Walking the Francigena Britannica: from London to Canterbury
• Great success of the EAVF General Assembly in Monte Sant’Angelo
• From Canterbury to Fidenza: An Interview with Councillor Connie Nolan

Launching Soon: “Walking the Via Francigena Pilgrim Route – Part 4” – The new English-language guide published by Cicerone Press accompanies pilgrims on the final section of the Via Francigena, from Rome to Santa Maria di Leuca, passing through the fascinating cities of Monte Sant’Angelo, Bari, Brindisi, and Lecce.

Written by Sandy Brown and Nicole Bukaty, the volume covers the last 940 km of the route, divided into 52 stages. It offers readers insights and tips to discover lesser-known places, as well as essential information on services, accommodation, logistics, and much more.

Cicerone’s guide to the Southern Via Francigena will be available from 15 April 2025, but it can already be pre-ordered here at a discounted price. This is a unique opportunity to receive this invaluable travel companion in advance, guiding pilgrims through some of Italy’s most stunning landscapes—from the ancient Via Appia to the southern beaches, and the wonders of the Gargano National Park.

The Via Francigena in Southern Italy is more international than ever!

The project has been supported by the Italian Puglia Region, aiming to provide a fundamental resource for the many pilgrims who will embark on the Southern Via Francigena during the 2025 Jubilee and in the years to come. The southern section of the Via Francigena is growing in popularity, particularly among international walkers and cyclists—as recent statistics confirm—and the release of this English-language volume marks a significant milestone in its development and promotion.

This initiative is part of the broader commitment of the Puglia Region, which has dedicated seven years to planning and developing the “Cammini del Sud” (Routes of Southern Italy), with the goal of internationalising and enhancing these trails. As Angelofabio Attolico, curator of the volume, highlights in the guide’s preface: “Back in 2019, imagining we had the technical foundations to make an international proposal of this kind was pure utopia. Today, we are delighted that one of the most renowned publishers in the English-speaking world has included one of our trails in its catalogue.”

The initiative also aligns perfectly with another EAVF project, supported by the Lazio Region for the 2025 Jubilee: a travel journal that starts precisely from the Via Francigena in Southern Italy, with the first two chapters already available on Puglia region and Campania region.

👉 DISCOVER ALL PRINTED GUIDES ON THE VIA FRANCIGENA

👉 PRE-ORDER THE SOUTHERN VIA FRANCIGENA GUIDE by CICERONE Press

The walking season is upon us and, as every year, we take a look at the numbers of the Via Francigena in 2024 and the estimated flow of pilgrims, recorded by the European Association of the Via Francigena ways (EAVF) through the distribution of EAVF credentials.

The year 2024 has confirmed a significant international presence along the route, which continues to establish itself as an increasingly sought-after destination and experience. It attracts a growing number of young people and is becoming more popular among international travellers, including those from non-European continents. Contributing to this trend are the new English-language guides published by the London-based publishing house Cicerone, which has recently released the fourth volume covering the southern section of the Via Francigena. This completes the collection of three existing volumes: Canterbury-Lausanne, Lausanne-Lucca, and Lucca-Rome.

CREDENTIALS IN 2024: THE NUMBERS

Once again, EAVF has analysed data collected from the distribution of credentials by the association. A total of 3,885 pilgrims completed the questionnaire upon receiving their credentials.

These figures should be considered as indicative estimates rather than absolute numbers. Several factors must be taken into account:

• There is currently no official observatory monitoring the flow of walkers along the Via Francigena.
• Statistically, 30% of pilgrims use the same credential multiple times, particularly those who walk sections of 7-10 days with the same credential over multiple years.
• 20% of walkers do not use a credential.
• Other credentials, in addition to EAVF’s, are also in circulation.

In 2024, the number of AEVF credentials distributed was 14,595, and there were 125 distribution points for the pilgrim passport.

TRAVELLER PROFILE

MODE OF TRAVEL

There has been a slight increase in the number of pilgrims choosing to travel on foot, confirming their overwhelming majority among respondents (87% compared to 86% in 2023). Conversely, the number of cycling pilgrims has slightly decreased (13% compared to 14% in 2023). Notably, seven pilgrims travelled parts of the route on horseback, an increase from just one case recorded in 2023.

AGE

The age distribution of those walking the Via Francigena confirms last year’s trend, which saw an increase in young pilgrims. In 2024, the under-25 age group (20.7%) and the 55-64 age group (20.8%) were almost tied for the highest percentage. Just below them were the 45-54 (17%) and 25-34 (16.7%) age groups. The over-65 category accounted for 14%, followed by the 35-44 age group (10%).

GENDER

Regarding gender, the figures remain consistent with those of 2023, showing a slight predominance of male participants (51.4%) over female participants (48.8%), although the number of women has been increasing in recent years.

NATIONALITY

In line with 2023, the largest group of walkers remains Italian, with their share rising by nearly three percentage points (70.7% compared to 68% last year). They are followed by France, the USA, and new entries in the top five: the UK and the Netherlands. Just below them are Germany, Belgium, and Australia.

Interest in the Via Francigena outside Europe spans from Mexico to Japan, Korea to New Zealand, and includes Argentina and Venezuela. The analysis of completed questionnaires recorded visitors from over 50 countries, confirming the increasingly international appeal of the route.

DEPARTURE MONTH

April remains the most popular departure month (26%). This trend, established in 2023, contrasts sharply with the 2022 figures, where the three summer months—August, July, and June—were the most preferred for starting the journey.

Continuing the trend against 2022, departures are increasingly spread throughout the year: August follows with 13.6%, May with 12.3%, June with 8.2%, and then September, July, and October.

STARTING AND ENDING LOCATIONS

In 2024, the top three departure locations were all in Tuscany: Lucca (19.2%), Siena (7.4%), and San Miniato (6.2%). Lucca, which held first place in 2022 and 2023, continues to be a preferred starting point for those setting off on the Via Francigena with the goal of reaching Siena or Rome. Other popular Tuscan locations include Altopascio, Gambassi Terme, and San Gimignano, followed by Rome, the Great St Bernard Pass in Switzerland, Viterbo, Canterbury in England, and Aosta.

Regarding pilgrimage destinations, Rome remains in first place with 40.9%. The arrival in the Eternal City continues to be a key goal for many pilgrims, and with the Jubilee Year approaching in 2025, an even greater influx is expected to St Peter and St Paul’s tombs. Siena follows with 24.9%, along with the Tuscan destinations of Monteriggioni and San Gimignano. Rounding out the top five is Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost point of the Via Francigena.

MOTIVATIONS

Sharing remains the driving force behind many journeys along the Via Francigena and is the most frequently cited motivation by respondents (42.7%). The pilgrimage is, above all, an opportunity to share an extraordinary experience, a meal with friends, a chat along the route, or time at a hostel with fellow travellers. Other significant motivations include tourism (33.4%), culture (32.4%), spirituality and personal growth (24.3%), faith (12.5%), and finally, environmental, sporting, and gastronomic reasons.

THE TESTIMONIUM IN ROME

An important update concerns the reception of pilgrims in Rome. From May 2024 and throughout 2025, a new service has been activated to support those arriving in the Eternal City.

The Fabbrica di San Pietro, which has managed the pilgrim reception service in Rome since 2022 with a dedicated desk at St Peter’s Basilica, is carrying out a volunteer project in collaboration with the Via Romea Strata and the Homo Viator – San Teobaldo Foundation. This initiative aims to train volunteers to welcome and assist pilgrims reaching Rome at the end of their journey. Volunteers support the Basilica staff and warmly welcome pilgrims with empathy and hospitality. Click here to find out more about the service.

In 2024, nearly 6,000 pilgrims arriving at St Peter’s have received the Testimonium, compared to 3,319 in 2023. This number is expected to grow further during the 2025 Jubilee Year.

HOW DID PREVIOUS YEARS GO?
Have a look at the data on our ‘Statistics’ page!

On Sunday 9th February, at the Regione Piemonte‘s stand, AEVF participated in the BIT (International Tourism Exchange) at Rho Fieramilano for a meeting focused on the future of slow and sustainable tourism along the Via Francigena.

The historic route connecting Canterbury to Rome, a symbol of a centuries-old tradition of pilgrimages and walking journeys, reaffirms its pivotal role in the sector and among trekking enthusiasts, positioning itself as an example of inclusivity and sustainability.

Key Figures and Topics

During the meeting, moderated by Gabriele Garofletti, Live Content Creator (@iosonogaroflex), Barbara Bellini, Head of Tourism Promotion for Regione Piemonte, Franco Grosso, National Vice President of the Rete dei Cammini, and Luca Bruschi, Director of the European Association of the Via Francigena Ways, discussed inclusivity, sustainability, and the expansion of tourism that is increasingly shifting towards ecological and conscious practices.

The discussion highlighted the importance of accessible tourism along the Via Francigena: Regione Piemonte has been working on this theme for years, with significant results achieved through the “Via Francigena for All” project, funded under the PNRR funds.

The hope is that more regions will follow the example of Regione Piemonte, sparking a positive trend towards inclusivity.

The Role of Social Media in Slow Tourism

Another key topic discussed during the meeting was the growing interest in the Via Francigena, which has seen significant growth in recent years. This success is also attributed, as Luca Bruschi points out, to word-of-mouth via social media, which has led to a true “renaissance” of slow tourism. The younger generations, particularly Gen Z, have promoted a return to naturalness, stripping away the glossy images we’ve been accustomed to, making them as “real” as possible, and as a result, the concept of travel has taken on a new form.

In this context, the Via Francigena reaffirms itself as one of the most sought-after destinations for those seeking a deeper connection with places and an authentic, slow travel experience. The event confirmed that the Via Francigena is not only a physical destination but also a transformative experience that promotes tourism respectful of the environment and people, increasingly appreciated by the new generation of travellers.

The meeting also provided an important opportunity to explore the European projects in which AEVF is involved, particularly HIKE – aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles through hiking along Europe’s cultural and historical paths – and DETOUR – focused on enhancing small and medium-sized businesses located along the Via Francigena and other routes in Europe.

The Lazio Region and the Galicia Region have signed a cooperation agreement to promote two major cultural routes: the Via Francigena and the Camino de Santiago de Compostela.

Rome, 6 February 2025 – On Thursday, 6 February, at Palazzo Borromeo, the seat of the Italian Embassy to the Holy See, the Memorandum of Collaboration was signed between the Lazio Region and the Autonomous Community of Galicia, in the presence of their respective Presidents, Francesco Rocca and Alfonso Ruela Valenzuela. This formal act marks the beginning of an important partnership aimed at fostering dialogue and promoting these two European cultural routes, which were certified by the Council of Europe in 1987 and 1994, respectively.

The institutional meeting was attended by Francesco di Nitto, Italian Ambassador to the Holy See; Riccardo Guariglia, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Daniela Santanchè, Minister of Tourism; and Monsignor Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation.

The agreement also aims to strengthen cultural ties between Lazio and Galicia, promote sustainable and responsible tourism, and create new opportunities for pilgrims and travellers who, during the Jubilee Year, will undertake the Via Francigena and the Camino de Santiago de Compostela.

The meeting was introduced by Civita Di Russo, Vice-President of the European Association of the Via Francigena ways (EAVF) and Deputy Chief of Staff to the President of the Lazio Region. She outlined the journey leading to this significant memorandum, which forms part of a broader European agreement signed in November 2023 between the European Association of the Via Francigena and the European Federation of the Camino de Santiago. The event also saw the participation of Francesco Ferrari, President of EAVF; Aldo Patruno, Vice-President of EAVF; Silvio Marino, Delegate of the Mayor of Rome; Maria Pia Bariggi, Deputy Mayor of Fidenza; and representatives of the Gruppo dei Dodici.

As part of this important institutional initiative, on Wednesday, 5 February, the exhibition “The Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe: from the Via Francigena to the Camino de Santiago de Compostela” was inaugurated at WeGil, a cultural hub of the Lazio Region. The exhibition is structured into the following sections:

• “Via Francigena, Road to Rome”, a 3,200 km journey from Canterbury to Rome and on to Puglia
• The Camino de Santiago de Compostela
• “The Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe in Italy: A European Heritage”.

The inauguration featured speeches by José Manuel Merelles Remy, Director of the Galician Tourism Agency; Serhij Morhunov, Vice-President of the European Federation of the Camino de Santiago; Roberta Alberotanza, Coordinator of the ECHE Lab Cultural Routes Section at the University of Reggio Calabria; Civita Di Russo, Vice-President of the European Association of the Via Francigena; Antonello Aurigemma, President of the Lazio Regional Council; Paolo Giuntarelli, Director of Tourism for the Lazio Region; and Luca Bruschi, Director of the European Association of the Via Francigena.

In his concluding remarks, Bruschi highlighted the synergies already in place between the two European cultural routes, which are collaborating on an Erasmus project focused on slow mobility, walking, accessibility, and sport.

The exhibition is open to the public at WeGil until 7 March, every day from 10:00 to 19:00.