The Via Francigena is the ancient pilgrims’ route to the tomb of St Peter in Rome. Since a few years ago, there has been a new campaign to promote and develop it, on a par with the historical and cultural importance it had for centuries.
The modern route, designated as a Major Cultural Itinerary by the Council of Europe since 2004, largely follows the route recorded by Sigerico at the end of the 10th century, where the Monteriggioni area is indicated by the “submansio” of Borgonuovo (later Abbadia Isola).
Of the almost 2.000 km between Canterbury and Rome, around half is located in Italy, where the route is subdivided into 44 sections. The Tuscan stage, certainly one of the most attractive in terms of the beauty of the towns and cities, the borghi, and the landscape that it passes through, also includes Monteriggioni as one of the modern-day stop-offs, situated between the other stopping-off places of San Gimignano to the north, and Siena to the south.
Whether you are about to embark on the journey to Rome, or just want to experience a short section of this ancient travellers’ route, Monteriggioni can be a very good reference point, both as a point of departure and as a delightful place to pass through. Whatever your preference, we suggest that you get hold of the Credential Card (carta credenziale) which, stamped at every stopping-off place, will be a pleasing souvenir of your journey at the end of your experience.