Via Francigena History

The Ancient Via Francigena Sigeric from Glastonbury played a major role in today’s Via Francigena pilgrimage. In ancient times travel from England to Rome was by foot or riding on a donkey. Pilgrims left England somewhere Dover and crossed the English Channel in ‘flobarts’. They arrived in Wissant and then continued through France to Switzerland....Read More

Viterbo is an exciting Via Francigena destination! It is quite a large city with heaps to see! Viterbo earned its name as the ‘City of the Popes’! So visit Viterbo to find out how it earned this name! Start with a walk through Christian history visiting its many Cathedrals and churches. At the same time,...Read More

Montefiascone Via Francigena History and Culture Montefiascone has played an important role in history of the Via Francigena pilgrimage. Today, walking the last 100 km from Montefiascone to Rome is a Testimonium requirement. There are many amazing places to see in Montefiascone. Also, there are fabulous views to enjoy from the hilltop town. Best of...Read More

The Historic Via Francigena The Via Francigena begins in England at Canterbury Cathedral! The pilgrimage is based on the journey made by Sigeric, Abbot of Canterbury Cathedral in 990 AD. Pope John XV appointed him Archbishop of Canterbury. Consequently, he had to walk to Rome for his ordination and receive his pallium vestment. After that...Read More

Ponte d’Arbia is Sigeric’s Stopover XIV along the Via Francigena pilgrim route. This means it was his 14th overnight stop on his way home to Canterbury in 990 AD. ‘Arbia’ was its name in Sigeric’s day. Ponte d’Arbia is located on the slopes of the Crete Senesi, the ancient desert of Accona. Water partly submerged...Read More

Rome Urbs Roma Sigeric’s Stopover I Rome is Sigeric’s Stopover I, Urbs Roma. It is the place where Archbishop Sigeric began his return journey to Canterbury in 990 AD. He had just walked all the way from Canterbury to Rome. His top priority was to visit the Pope and receive his Archbishop vestment called a...Read More

Viterbo History In medieval times Viterbo was an important Via Francigena pilgrim destination. In 990 BCE Archbishop Sigeric noted in is diary that it was the 6th place where he stayed. ‘Sce Valentine’ was its name then. Most likely, Bulicame, near Viterbo was the exact location. This area is famous for its thermal springs. So...Read More

Via Francigena and Siena The Via Francigena in Siena is not to be missed for many reasons. Firstly, Siena or Seocine (XV) is Sigeric’s 15th place of rest. Today, we can join Sigeric and pilgrims of old and enjoy Siena! My favourite reason is to see the Allegory of Good and Bad Government fresco by...Read More

Sigeric’s Stopover XI, Abricula Le Briccole is a group of abandoned buildings along the Via Francigena. It is where Archbishop Sigeric stayed when he walked the Via Francigena in 990 AD. But, in those days it was called Abricula. Today Le Briccole is only accessible on foot. So you have to walk to see it!...Read More

Carol the Pilgrim heads to Florence Carol the Pilgrim was heading back to Switzerland after her Via Francigena adventures in Tuscany. A weird mix of events led her to become ‘Lost in Florence at Midnight’. It all began with the train trip from Orvieto to Florence. It was one of those usual delays where the...Read More