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
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
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
