Mese: Giugno 2017

The European Association of the Vie Francigene is the partner of DigitaLife, a project for a collective film which will tell the story of the changes which have occured in the last twenty years from a perspective aimed towards the future.  The venture will be realised mainly thanks to the videos sent in by members of the public.

The Via Francigena will be one of the principal locations, among others, of the film.  For this reason, the EAVF has decided to involve itself greatly in the film’s production.  We believe that the film is a real promotional opportunity for the walking route and, at the same time, an example of how digital culture is changing our lives.   

WHAT TO DO?
To adequately make the film, many videos realised by different individuals are necessary.  Local everyday situations could have a significant role, and for this reason you will be able to contact the production team by emailing them at digitalife.film@gmail.com
The videos can concern any aspect of your experience on the route, paying attention to the environment and to technology, but most of all to the stories of the protagonists of these experiences.   

Please find the poster attached below.

INFO e CONTACTS
www.digitalife.com
digitalife.film@gmail.com

The restoration of the splendid antelamic face of the Cathedral of Fidenza has now finished.  The statues and the low reliefs, sculpted during the XII and XIII centuries are brought to light once more, directing pilgrims on the Via Francigena who, after months of strenuous work, can find themselves before a jewel of the historical route.   

“Simon Apostolus eundi Roman Sanctus demonstrat hanc viam” said inscription can be found between the hands of Simon the Apostle, above his column, that for centuries observes the passing of pilgrims on their way to Rome. 

The most important institutions of the town were in attendance at the conference concluding the restoration, side by side with experts in the sector and professionals that collaborated in the realisation of this enormous and necessary conservation intervention.  On the 14th June, at the Church of San Giorgio Martire in Fidenza, the Bishop, Carlo Mazza, the “guardian” of the Cathedral; the mayor, Andrea Massari; the art historian, Arturo Carlo Quintavalle; the restoration architect, Barbara Zilocchi with her team representing the ‘Opificio delle pietre dure – Mibact’, as well as the Soprintendenza, all said their part on the restoration works that took place.   

The event concluded with the benediction of the face which, with periodical maintenance and conservation works, will continue to display its masterpieces and to cause the lingering of pilgrims as they pass, who, with the play of light and mastery of this work, can imagine tracing the steps of their ancient “colleagues” and turning their attention to the same characteristics.  

Luca Faravelli

“A pilgrim has many rights and as many responsibilities”. We have seen today in a concrete action, when a group of twenty people slowly travelled along the Via Francigena from Santa Cristina to Orio Litta and continued towards Piacenza, on 10 and 11 June 2017 committed to an engaging project: “I Love Francigena”.

The European Association of the Via Francigena Ways (EAVF) and Itineraria organised this project: a travel event to raise awareness among route enthusiasts in cleaning the route and maintaining the signage. The twenty pilgrims, led by the representatives of the two associations and armed with gloves and bags, walked along the European Cultural Route, becoming users and at the same time its protectors.

Walking along the two stages in Lombardy, a prelude before entering the Emilia region, you slowly approach the Po river, always visible from the top of the embankment, which flows lazily along the Po Valley.

The path offers a panoramic view of the Po valley landscapes that never stops: the farmhouses and the various colours of the cultivated fields follow one another and alternate in a fascinating polychromy that accompanies the pilgrim along his journey.

Walking these stage you see hostels, welcoming travellers with friendship and hospitality, and pilgrims, travelling alone or in couples, who share their experiences and create bonds between people.

The two days hike had a great success and excellent results. The second edition is already scheduled for 24 and 25 June 2017, which has the same objectives. Read more about the event here.

Luca Faravelli

View the video of this event!