The Via Francigena

This is the main road which, for centuries before the year one thousand, connected the north west of France with Rome.
Throughout the medieval period, it was used by merchants and travellers but above all by pilgrims travelling to Rome.
On the stretch between San Gimignano and Siena, the Via Francigena also crosses the area of Monteriggioni, where there is one of the oldest resting places along the road: the abbey of Abbadia Isola.

Over the past few years, the municipal administration has undertaken the work of valorising the Via Francigena as a route of historical and cultural interest.
The European Association of the Vie Francigene, of which the Municipality of Monteriggioni has been a member since 2005, is also working towards the same aim.

Amongst the various works of valorisation is a project of unitary signposting which will indicate the road along its entire European route.
The first signpost was placed in Monteriggioni and was inaugurated in October 2007 with the presence of the Italian Prime Minister, the Minister for Cultural Heritage and other VIPs.

The route of the Francigena in the Monteriggioni territory winds mainly through fields and woods, past ancient castles, abbeys and small hamlets.
The path constitutes one of the numerous nature trails of the area.
The best way to appreciate it is by foot, in the footsteps of the pilgrims who still travel to Rome to worship at the tomb of St. Peter, as they did one thousand years ago.

Siena region via Francigena web site with maps to download

Official stages of the via Francigena in Italy