We’ve reached the fifth chapter of our travel diary, which traces the entire official route of the Via Francigena from south to north in celebration of the Jubilee 2025. 

Stretching over 3,200 km, this historic medieval pilgrimage route crosses five countries (England, France, Switzerland, Vatican City, and Italy), sixteen regions, and more than six hundred towns and cities. It can be travelled on foot or by bicycle. Beginning in Kent, UK, the route passes through Hauts-de-France, Grand Est, and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in France; the cantons of Vaud and Valais in Switzerland; and then into Italy via Valle d’Aosta, Piedmont, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Liguria, Tuscany, Lazio, Campania, and Puglia, finally reaching Rome, heart of the Jubilee and home to the Vatican. 

In collaboration with Regione Lazio, this series of regional features sets off from Santa Maria di Leuca—the finibus terrae of Puglia—journeying northwards to explore each region along the way. Through these chapters, we delve into the landscapes, history, and cuisine of the areas the Via Francigena crosses, offering travel tips, highlights, and curious facts for each leg of the route. 

Shall we set off? 

Let’s go! 

The Via Francigena in Tuscany 

The Tuscan section of the Via Francigena spans approximately 400 km, divided into 13 stages that wind through golden hills and age-old paths. The route enters Tuscany at Pontremoli after crossing the Cisa Pass and briefly passes through Liguria (for 38 km) before re-entering Tuscany at Massa and concluding in the charming town of Radicofani, located in the Val d’Orcia. Now firmly in central Italy, this stretch of the route presents a medium level of difficulty, occasionally becoming quite demanding due to the elevation changes. 

Tuscany is a region where history, art, tradition, and gastronomy intertwine like the threads of a finely woven tapestry, laid down by the countless travellers who have walked its paths. Every step is a brush with beauty, every corner hides a story, and every meal is a journey of its own. 

A unique stretch: the Via Francigena in Lunigiana 

To begin our exploration of the Tuscan Via Francigena, we start in Lunigiana—the first area encountered along the route. This borderland between Tuscany, Liguria, and Emilia-Romagna is rich in rivers, mountains, and forests, and though one of the most challenging parts of the Via, it is also among the most captivating. 

Historically, pilgrims found shelter in monasteries, rest in Romanesque parish churches, and protection in castles that watched over the valleys. The path begins at the Cisa Pass, offering breathtaking views of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, and leads to Pontremoli—a city renowned for its medieval bridges, noble residences, and the Museum of Stele Statues. The northernmost town in Tuscany, Pontremoli is nestled among hills and mountains and remains a treasure trove of art and history. Many historians believe it was once the ancient Apua, the capital of the Ligurian-Apuan civilisation. 

Further along in Upper Lunigiana lies Filattiera, on the banks of the Magra River, under the shadow of the Apennines. Its name likely comes from Fulacterion, a Byzantine term for strategic fortifications. Not to be missed is the Church of San Giorgio. Nearby, the village of Ponticello is a beautifully preserved medieval gem. 

Finally, Aulla marks the end of the Tuscan stretch before the Via briefly enters Liguria. Located on a narrow strip of land between the Magra River and the Aulella stream, Aulla has been inhabited since before the year 1000, owing much of its prosperity to its position on the Francigena. Key sites include the Abbey of San Caprasio, the Brunella Fortress (named after the hill it crowns), and the Lunigiana Museum of Natural History. 

Today, this section of the Via Francigena is fully signposted and suitable for walking or cycling. It offers a journey rich in spirituality, nature, and culture, with pilgrim-friendly accommodation options such as hostels, farm stays, and mountain lodges preserving the region’s long-standing tradition of hospitality. 

Many of the villages remain unchanged over the centuries, preserving an atmosphere that seems frozen in time. 

History: San Gimignano, Monteriggioni and Siena 

It goes without saying that the Via Francigena in Tuscany is among the most walked and celebrated stretches of the entire route. Its scenic beauty, rich historical legacy, and exceptional artistic and cultural heritage have attracted travellers since medieval times. While in the past it was primarily merchants who passed through—many of whom settled here, contributing to the region’s prosperity—today the Tuscan stretch of the Francigena welcomes visitors from across the globe, all drawn by this perfect blend of landscape, history, and culture. 

Given the region’s extraordinary beauty, narrowing down the list of noteworthy places is no easy task. Nevertheless, we’ve selected a few highlights here, though truly every Tuscan village deserves a visit for its immense historical and cultural wealth. 

San Gimignano is undoubtedly one of the most iconic historical towns in the area—an exquisitely preserved medieval gem and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perched like a crown of stone upon the Sienese hills, the town is famous for its 15 surviving towers (once there were more than 70!), built by powerful aristocratic families to assert their wealth and status. Two key roads once crossed San Gimignano: the Via Francigena—where Archbishop Sigeric stopped on his 19th stage—and the route leading to Pisa and the coast. Local products such as saffron and Vernaccia wine were highly prized commodities in both European and Middle Eastern markets. In the town’s historic centre lies Piazza del Duomo, home to the Collegiata of Santa Maria Assunta. Inside, visitors will find exquisite fresco cycles painted by some of the most celebrated Sienese artists of the 14th century. 

Monteriggioni, built by the Sienese in the 13th century as a defensive outpost against Florence, is one of the best-preserved examples of medieval fortification in Europe. Its imposing towers dominate the ancient Via Cassia and guard the impressive castle, constructed in 1203. The town captured the admiration of Dante, who referenced it in Canto XXXI of the Inferno in The Divine Comedy. Within its walls lies a quaint village, with neatly aligned homes along a single street, surrounded by small vegetable gardens, olive groves, and hidden courtyards. 

Siena stands as one of the most emblematic cities of the Italian Middle Ages. Built around the extraordinary Piazza del Campo, the city’s urban design is unique in the world—an exemplary model of coherent, harmonious planning, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in central Tuscany among the valleys of the Arbia, Melsa and Ersa rivers, the Chianti hills, the Montagnola and the Crete Senesi, Siena was named Italy’s Capital of Culture in 2015. 

The city’s characteristic hue, a rich reddish-brown found in its façades and rooftops, gives its name to the globally recognised “Terra di Siena” pigment. 

No visit is complete without a stop in Piazza del Campo, often hailed as one of the most beautiful squares in the world. Shaped like a scallop shell with nine segments, it can be fully admired from the top of the Torre del Mangia. Historically—and still today—it serves as a central gathering place for Sienese citizens during important civic events. 

Another must-see is the Palazzo Pubblico, one of Italy’s finest civic buildings and the historic seat of Siena’s political power. 

And of course, a visit to the Torre del Mangia is a true highlight. Standing 88 metres tall with 400 steps, the climb is well worth the effort for the breathtaking panoramic views from the top. 

Fun Fact: the legend of the Tower 

Built between 1338 and 1348 beside the Palazzo Pubblico, the Torre del Mangia takes its name from its first bell-ringer, Giovanni di Balduccio, nicknamed “Mangiaguadagni” (“Earnings-Eater”) due to his habit of spending all his wages on food and pleasures. Legend has it that under the first stone of the tower, coins and magical inscriptions were buried to protect it from misfortune. Popular belief holds that the tower’s survival through the centuries is thanks to these ancient charms. Another tale says that the great bell, “Il Sunto,” tolls solemnly to mark Siena’s most significant historical events. Thus, the tower has become not only an architectural icon but also a mystical and deeply symbolic emblem of the city. 

Art and Culture: Medieval Villages and UNESCO Landscapes 

Tuscany is an open-air art book. Every village, every church, every hill tells a story of centuries of civilisation and creativity. The Val d’Orcia, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enchants with its lush vegetation dotted with vineyards, beech forests, olive groves, and chestnut woods, as well as charming medieval hamlets, castles, and rural farmland. Located near the border with Umbria, the valley takes its name from the River Orcia which flows through it, and is particularly renowned for its photogenic vistas—such as those near San Quirico d’Orcia, where a cluster of cypress trees forms the famous “Cypresses of the Val d’Orcia”. 

Another stunning area of natural beauty is the Crete Senesi, southeast of Siena, defined by its grey-blue soil and almost lunar appearance, a result of the clay content that also gives the region its name. 

This landscape, sculpted by erosion, features unique geological formations such as calanchi (gullies) and biancane—bare, rounded hills of clay that possess a surreal and otherworldly charm. 

The medieval villages scattered along the Via Francigena are treasure troves of art and culture, and Tuscany boasts them in abundance. Among the many, some particularly delightful yet smaller gems include Pienza, Montalcino, Castiglione d’Orcia, and San Quirico itself—all ideal for immersing yourself in the region’s authentic character. Wandering their historic streets also means indulging in local flavours, from prestigious wines and traditional cheeses to dishes steeped in rural tradition and heritage. 

Thermal Waters: Gambassi, San Filippo, Montecatini, Chianciano and Bagno Vignoni 

Tuscany is among the most sought-after regions in Italy for wellness holidays, thanks to its exceptional concentration of natural thermal springs, which make up about a quarter of the national total. Set amid postcard-worthy scenery—gentle hills, ancient villages, and unspoiled nature—these thermal spots offer a truly rejuvenating experience. The region’s hot springs can be enjoyed in open-air, freely accessible locations or within elegant spa resorts and wellness centres. 

The healing properties of these waters have been known since Etruscan and Roman times. Some are said to soothe joint and muscle pain, others to aid respiratory or digestive issues. Water temperatures range from 25°C to 54°C, with the hottest springs found mainly in the southern part of the region. Today, many choose these destinations as a peaceful escape from everyday life, but few realise that many of these thermal sites lie along the route of the Via Francigena—offering the perfect opportunity for weary pilgrims to rest and restore both body and spirit. 

Among the best-known destinations—slightly off the official Via Francigena route but well worth the detour—are Montecatini Terme, with its Belle Époque charm, and Chianciano Terme, home to five distinct types of thermal waters and modern facilities such as the Theia Pools and the Sensory Spa. 

Closer to the route, in a hamlet of Castiglione d’Orcia, lies the unmissable Bagni San Filippo, where natural thermal pools are nestled in the woods just outside the town. Its most famous feature is the Balena Bianca (“White Whale”), a massive calcium formation from which the warm Fosso Bianco stream flows. 

Also along the path is Gambassi Terme, especially helpful for digestive and dermatological ailments—worth a visit if you need a gentle health boost on your journey. 

Lastly, a must-see stop is Bagno Vignoni, a truly unique medieval village where a thermal pool occupies the very centre of the main square. Each destination offers its own distinctive character in terms of water composition, services, and atmosphere—whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a cultural and relaxing weekend, or simply a break to rest your legs and indulge in some well-deserved pampering between stages of your walk. 

Fun Fact: the ancient waters of Bagno Vignoni 

Bagno Vignoni, a hamlet of San Quirico d’Orcia, captivates visitors with its timeless atmosphere and iconic central thermal pool. It’s believed that the hot springs were already in use during Roman times, when they were thought to be inhabited by nymphs. The village as we know it today, however, took shape in the Middle Ages. 

As early as the 15th century, the waters were recognised for their high content of iron, alum, and sulphur, making them highly prized for their therapeutic qualities. Over the centuries, many notable figures have been drawn to Bagno Vignoni for its health benefits and evocative beauty. Among them were Lorenzo the Magnificent and other members of the Medici family, who sought relief here from arthritis and rheumatism. Enea Silvio Piccolomini, later Pope Pius II, also visited to ease his gout. Even film greats like Tarkovsky and Fellini were so enchanted by the village that they incorporated its unique atmosphere into their cinematic work. 

Traditions: The Palio of Siena and Medieval Festivals 

Tuscany is a guardian of ancient traditions that continue to thrive today with the same intensity as they did centuries ago. Chief among them is the Palio di Siena—far more than a horse race, it is an ancient ritual, a dramatic expression of collective passion and identity that has stirred the soul of Siena for centuries. Held twice a year, on 2nd July (in honour of the Madonna of Provenzano) and 16th August (for the Assumption of the Virgin), the race takes place in the stunning Piazza del Campo, transformed for the occasion into an oval racetrack covered in packed clay (tufo). 

The stars of the Palio are the contrade—17 historic districts of the city, each with its own emblem, colours, church, baptismal fountain, and often fierce rivalries. Only ten contrade take part in each race: seven are automatically chosen (those that didn’t race the previous year), while the remaining three are drawn by lot. 

The horse is considered the true hero of the event. It is blessed in its contrada’s church with the words: “Go and return victorious”, and even if it finishes the race without its jockey (a common occurrence), the contrada can still claim victory. 

The race lasts just over a minute, but the emotion it stirs is the climax of days of preparations, including trial runs, historical parades, songs, and rituals. Prior to the main event, there’s the “provaccia” (final trial), and the grand Historical Procession, with hundreds of participants in elaborate costume recreating the grandeur of Siena’s medieval republic. 

The winner receives the Drappellone, affectionately known as the “cencio”—a unique painted banner created each year by a different artist, always featuring the Madonna and symbols of the contrade. Winning the Palio is an immense honour, often celebrated with months of festivities. 

The Palio is not a tourist attraction; it is blood, faith, memory, and destiny—a ritual that binds Sienese people through the generations. In Siena, one is born into a contrada, and the Palio becomes part of one’s very identity. 

But the Palio is not the only notable celebration. In Abbadia San Salvatore, on Mount Amiata, numerous medieval festivals are held throughout the year, transforming the village into a scene from the past. The most significant is the Fiaccolata di Natale, the Christmas Torchlight Festival. Artisans, musicians, noble ladies, and knights fill the streets with flag-waving displays and tavern feasts. 

On 24th December, the Fiaccolata unfolds: massive wooden torches (fiaccole), up to seven metres tall and built in conical or pyramidal shapes, are erected in the three medieval quarters (terzieri) of Abbadia, earning it the name “City of Torches”. Set up in main streets and squares, the torches are lit on Christmas Eve, creating a deeply symbolic and evocative spectacle. 

Preparation begins months earlier, in autumn, when the fiaccolai—skilled and devoted locals—begin gathering wood. Constructing the torches is a long and meticulous task requiring strength, technique, and teamwork. Each torch is a product of collective dedication—a community ritual that unites generations and renews their shared tradition every year. 

Gastronomy: Tuscany’s culinary treasures 

To eat in Tuscany is to experience a cuisine that is honest, rustic, and deeply flavourful—a cuisine born of the land and shaped by rural wisdom. Its simplicity is what makes it unforgettable. 

One of the most iconic products of Tuscany along the Via Francigena is the Prosciutto Toscano DOP. Made from the thighs of Italian pigs, seasoned with spices and aged in ventilated rooms, it is a symbol of the region. Traditionally served with unsalted Tuscan bread, it strikes a perfect balance between flavour and authenticity. 

Another regional jewel is the white truffle of San Miniato—intensely aromatic and highly prized. Every year, truffle hunters and their trained dogs brave the woods in search of this culinary gold. Named after its place of origin, San Miniato celebrates its prized truffle with fairs and festivals. 

Then there are Tuscany’s humble yet iconic bread soups, such as ribollita, panzanella, and pappa al pomodoro—dishes born from the philosophy of not wasting anything. Once peasant staples, today they are celebrated for turning scarcity into culinary excellence. As a Tuscan saying goes: “With a soup, the farmer smiles—even without meat.” These hearty dishes are made from stale Tuscan bread, white beans, mixed greens and vegetables, sometimes with a touch of tomato, and can be enjoyed warm or cold, as a starter or main. 

The Ricciarelli of Siena are soft, fragrant almond biscuits made with sugar, egg whites, and orange zest—an Oriental legacy brought back by crusaders. Once prepared by nuns and offered to pilgrims as a gesture of hospitality, they remain a cherished Christmas tradition, with each Sienese family proudly guarding its own secret recipe. 

No Tuscan meal would be complete without wine, and none is more symbolic than the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. One of the most prestigious wines in the world, Brunello is the bottled soul of Tuscany. Made from select Sangiovese Grosso grapes, it is aged for a minimum of five years—two in oak barrels and at least six months in bottle. With a complex bouquet of aromatic wood, wild berries, vanilla, and jam, it pairs perfectly with red meats, roasts, game, truffles, mushrooms, and mature cheeses. 

Fun Fact: the world’s largest truffle 

San Miniato is said to be the site where, in 1954, the world’s largest truffle was found—a specimen weighing 2,520 grams, discovered by truffle hunter Arturo Gallerini and his dog Parigi. It was reportedly gifted to U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Such a truffle would be nearly impossible to price today; record-breaking examples are typically sold at auction, with proceeds going to charity. However, no official documents confirm this story, so it remains a charming legend of Tuscan folklore. 

Weekend Walks and Mini Pilgrimages 

2-Day Itinerary: San Gimignano to Siena 

Day 1: 
From San Gimignano to Monteriggioni—a challenging 30 km trek, but one that rewards with unmatched beauty. Leaving San Gimignano, you’re immediately met with serene views over the hilltop town. Along the route, consider stopping in Colle Val d’Elsa, a town with medieval roots and a long history of water-powered industry, split into three districts and once a contested border between Florence and Siena. 

Near the end of the day, just before reaching Monteriggioni, you’ll pass Abbadia a Isola—a medieval walled complex named after the marshland that once surrounded its abbey. Finally, you’ll arrive at the majestic Monteriggioni, its fortress-like skyline a vision from a medieval dream. 

Day 2: 
From Monteriggioni to Siena—a gentler 20 km stretch, through countryside painted in Terra di Siena, the warm ochre earth that contrasts beautifully in spring with green wheat fields and fresh grass. The path weaves past rustic farmhouses and ancient castles. 

On the way to Siena, you’ll cross Pian del Lago, now covered in grain fields but once, until the 18th century, a marshland at the foot of Monte Maggio. A karstic feature, this area was a polje—a wide, flat-bottomed depression as deep as 3 metres. Another point of interest is Castello della Chiocciola, south of Monteriggioni. And finally, your journey ends in incomparable Siena—a city that encapsulates the soul of Tuscany. 

3-Day Itinerary: (Camaiore – San Miniato) 

Day 1: 
Our three-day journey begins with the route from Camaiore to Lucca, covering 26 km with moderate elevation changes. We are deep in the heart of Tuscany, where the terrain constantly rises and falls. The path leads through Valfreddana before arriving in Lucca via a peaceful trail along the banks of the Serchio River. The route alternates between built-up areas and long stretches of woodland. Near Lucca, and within the city itself, a traditional game known as tiro della forma still survives — a sport where participants roll large rounds of cheese, weighing from 1.5 to 25 kg depending on category, aiming to throw them as far as possible. In Lucca, the sport is played at the “Tiro alla Forma” club-bar. Needless to say, Lucca is a unique city, rich in artistic, architectural and historical heritage — if time allows, it is well worth a visit. 

Day 2: 
On the second day, we set off again, this time from Lucca to Altopascio — an easy 18.5 km stage. Perhaps the least scenic part of the journey, but one that allows for a relaxed and safe walk, where you might even encounter shepherds with their flocks. Notable stops along the way include the Church of Saints Quirico and Giulitta in Capannori, the medieval village of Porcari — a stop mentioned by Sigeric — and the Abbey of San Pietro in Pozzeveri. Upon arrival in Altopascio, you can feel the weight of history in this town that once hosted the most famous hospice along the route: the Domus Hospitalis Sancti Jacobi et Altopassu, founded by the Hospitaller monks and active until 1780, which welcomed pilgrims from afar. 

Day 3: 
The final day takes us from Altopascio to San Miniato — the most demanding leg of our journey at 29 km. In the Middle Ages, this stage was considered risky, and even today it holds its share of challenges. Despite the safety of bridges and embankments from which one can observe the waterways, the Cerbaie woods remain wild and remote. After this stretch, the path levels out again and continues through open fields. Along the lower Valdarno hills, two towns dominate the view — Fucecchio and San Miniato — historic strongholds of the Via Francigena. San Miniato, the final destination, developed around a church founded in the 8th century and once served as the seat of the imperial vicars. Don’t miss the castle and the climb to the Tower of Frederick II, which offers sweeping views over the Arno Valley. Other highlights include the convent and church of San Francesco, and the “Hall of the Seven Virtues” in the town hall, home to well-preserved 15th-century frescoes. 

5-Day Itinerary: (San Gimignano – Radicofani) 

Day 1: From San Gimignano to Monteriggioni 

Day 2: From Monteriggioni to Siena 

Day 3: 
On the third day, the journey continues from Siena to Ponte d’Arbia — 25 km of moderate difficulty along one of the most scenic sections of the Via Francigena in Tuscany. The trail crosses the Crete Senesi, a landscape that changes with the seasons, thanks to its ever-shifting colours. Much of the walk follows gentle ridgelines and white gravel roads, with towns and villages framed by iconic cypress trees. 

Day 4: 
Day four sees us walk from Ponte d’Arbia to San Quirico d’Orcia — a demanding 26 km stage. The path climbs through the Arbia Valley, winding among wheat fields and Brunello di Montalcino vineyards. Once again, cypress-lined tracks and white roads lead the way, offering classic Tuscan vistas. As you progress, the silhouette of the volcanic hill topped by Radicofani becomes visible in the distance. Along the route, a recommended stop is Buonconvento, originally a market town that flourished thanks to the Via Francigena. Still enclosed by its medieval walls, it is accessible via the Senese Gate. Upon arriving in San Quirico d’Orcia, the imposing Collegiate Church of Saints Quirico and Giulitta greets you at the entrance — the town’s most important monument. We also recommend a stroll through the Horti Leonini, a formal Italian garden created by Diomede Leoni in 1581. 

Day 5: 
At last, we reach the final stage of this five-day journey — from San Quirico d’Orcia to Radicofani, a very demanding 32 km stretch (which we suggest dividing over two days, if possible). This leg passes through the stunning Val d’Orcia, widely considered one of the most beautiful sections of the route. For part of the way, we follow the old Via Cassia, which soon becomes a remote and unpaved track. This is one of the most rugged sections of the Via Francigena. Along the way, a must-see is Bagno Vignoni, whose thermal waters offer a soothing break from the fatigue of the road. Upon reaching Radicofani — perched atop a hill visible from miles around — we arrive at one of the most striking and unmissable spots on the Via. Don’t miss the fortified complex, which boasts breathtaking views from the top of the tower. Other notable stops include the Renaissance-era Post House (later turned into a border inn visited by Dickens, Montaigne, and Chateaubriand), and the Medici fountains with their covered watering troughs. 

Some Useful Tips 

1. Prepare Your Gear 

• Hiking boots: choosing the right footwear is essential, especially for long distances. Opt for sturdy, comfortable shoes with good breathability and support. Lightweight trekking boots are ideal for extended walks. The heavier your rucksack, the more important it is to wear high-ankle boots to protect your back and ankles. See some suggestions from our partner Garmont here. 

• Backpack: pick a lightweight, comfortable backpack with adjustable straps and good ventilation. Don’t overpack — try to keep it under 10–15% of your body weight. Only bring the essentials. Recommended models from Ferrino can be found here. 

• Clothing: bring breathable, comfortable, and lightweight clothes. Depending on the season, pack a waterproof jacket for rain or wind, and a hat for sun protection. If you’re unsure where to buy these items, check here. 

• Trekking poles: extremely helpful for reducing strain on your knees, especially on inclines and descents. Browse options here. 

2. Plan Your Route and Stages 

• Distance and timing: daily walking distances typically range from 15 to 25 km. If you’re not used to walking long distances, start with shorter stages. Consider spreading the journey out over more days according to your ability. 

• Accommodation: along the route, you’ll find plenty of options — hostels, B&Bs, agritourism farms, and convents. Some areas also offer pilgrim refuges. Book in advance, especially during peak seasons (spring and summer). 

• How to get there: there are many ways to reach the Lazio region, but not all are eco-friendly or linked to the Via Francigena. We recommend travelling with FlixBus or TrenitaliaTPER, both of which offer a 10% discount to holders of the official Pilgrim Passport (Credenziale). 

• Adaptability: not all stages have the same difficulty. Be flexible and ready to adapt as needed. Remember: this is not a race, but a personal and spiritual journey. 

• Guidebook: to avoid mishaps, we suggest bringing the Via Francigena guidebook by Terre di Mezzo, which includes routes and plenty of practical tips. 

• Pilgrim Passport: a must for every true pilgrim. The official Credential of the Via Francigena, available here, offers access to discounts, special rates, and allows you to collect original stamps along your journey. 

• The Magazine: for years, the EAVF has been responsible for editing and publishing the official biannual magazine of the Via Francigena. If you’d like to learn more about Tuscany, don’t miss issue no. 57, coming soon on the website https://www.rivistaviafrancigena.it/en/, entirely dedicated to this wonderful region, with a special feature on Siena. 

3. Safety and Health 

• Water and food: always carry at least 2 litres of water. Some stages may lack easy access to refilling stations, so plan accordingly. Also bring energy-rich snacks such as nuts, cereal bars, and dried fruit. 

• Sun protection: the southern Italian sun can be intense, particularly in summer. Use high-factor sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat. 

• Rest: listen to your body. Don’t hesitate to stop and rest when needed. Your muscles and joints can take a toll from extended walking, so regular breaks are essential. 

This article was published as part of the initiative: Cohesion and Development Fund – Development and Cohesion Plan under the auspices of the Italian Ministry of Culture (Form 33 – Via Francigena – Cross-cutting actions. Project submission form “Communication and Promotion Plan”).