Author: Redazione AEVF

Champlitte adheres to the European Association of the Vie Francigene. In 2012, during the people’s walk “Pas à Pas”, the Via Francigena became very well known in this region of the Haute-Saone, in Franche-Comté.

Every year pilgrims, walkers, hikers cross this beautiful place along the Via Francigena, where the path is well signalled and safe. Moreover, the reception offer is wide, both in camping and in public/private hostels or traditional accommodating buildings.

The commitment of the municipal administration gave a tangible signal for the development and promotion of the Via Francigena: the municipal council decided to adhere to EAVF and to promote the European project, starting from the French segment. On the 11^th August, in Champlitte, an agreement between EAVF and the Municipality has been approved, in order to develop communal actions aimed to the growth of the Francigena road to support the Francigena. Dedicated staff has been assigned to the project.

Since November 21st, 1986, the department of the Haute-Saône, Champlitte in France and the municipality of San Rafael in Mexico are coupled. Both cultures have strong links, since the departure first inhabitants of Champlitte towards Mexico in 1833.

It is around this real human adventure based on the exchange that is going to be celebrated all year round this anniversary.

The events included : exhibition, colloquium, concerts, literary meetings.

A resting point for pilgrims traveling through San Miniato on the Via Francigena.  Just as the Maltini husband and wife had thought, their initiative to provide a small bench on the via Parini street in San Miniato Basso, has, over time, become increasingly more welcoming.  

The generous couple go out every morning to leave out cold water, snacks and fresh fruit for travelers – all for free. “Since setting up the bench – says Mrs. Maltinti – many people passing by who have appreciated our initiative, leave their signature which now fill an entire book. “

Mayor Vittorio Gabbanini and Member of Council David Spalletti extend their thanks to the municipal administration which provides maps of San Miniato and an information booklet on the Via Francigena to pilgrims. The pilgrims who pass by Via Parini can share pictures and comments about their journey on the Facebook page, Piccolo Ristoro Via Parini, also accessible by clicking the QR code directly from their smartphone.

As of 20 June, 2016 the Ad Limina Petri, located at 24 Via Pfeiffer, at the Centro San Lorenzo in Rome, began offering reception services to pilgrims.

Pilgrims on foot or bicycle, arriving in Rome from the pilgrimage routes (The Francigena, the Romea, the paths of Saint Francis etc.) and bearing a credential attesting to having walked the last 100km or cycled 200km, can take advantage of reception services at the centre, located 50 meters from Piazza San Pietro (via Pfeiffer 24, the last street on the left off Via della Concilizazione).

The Cento San Lorenzo is open during the summer from 11:00 to 17:00 every day from Monday to Friday for the following services:

• Collect the official Testimonium of the Basilica

• Get information on accommodation, access to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Holy Door

• Access bathrooms

• Leave the backpacks and bicycles