The Via Francigena itinerary does not exactly match the ancient Roman consular roads and, over the centuries, has undergone numerous variations determined by the intertwining of historical, political and climatic factors.
The first written mention of the term “Francigena” dates back to 876 on a scroll kept in the Abbey of San Salvatore on Monte Amiata, referring to a stretch of road near Chiusi, in the province of Siena. However, the first detailed description of the route dates back to 990, when Sigerico, archbishop of Canterbury, wrote down the churches visited in Rome and precisely outlined the 79 stages of his return journey to Canterbury, highlighting the stopping points along the itinerary.
In Tuscany, this route touched places of great charm. Starting from Luni and crossing the suggestive Apuan Alps, it passed through Pietrasanta and Lucca, which attracted numerous pilgrims coming even from distant regions of Europe for its famous relics. Continuing for various stages such as Porcari, Altopascio, and Fucecchio with its bridge over the Arno, the Via arrived at San Genesio (San Miniato) and then went up the Valdelsa, passing through San Gimignano, Colle di Val d'Elsa, Castelfiorentino, Certaldo and Poggibonsi before reaching Siena.
Siena, thanks to its position on the Francigena, had a remarkable development in the Middle Ages. From there, the route followed the Arbia Valley to San Quirico d'Orcia, the Val d'Orcia, then climbed into Val di Paglia and descended to Acquapendente. Subsequently, due to the insecurity of the Val di Paglia, travelers preferred to pass through the Rocca di Radicofani. The journey continued through Bolsena, Montefiascone, Viterbo and other locations, until reaching Rome.
In 1994, the Via Francigena was recognized as a “European Cultural Route”, obtaining a supranational status similar to the Way of Saint James of Compostela.
