The road to Rome
In 990 archbishop Sigeric travelled between Rome and Canterbury noting in his travel diary all the steps of this European journey, over 3000 kilometres through mountain paths, mule tracks, rural cypress-lined roads, streets paved with river stones up to the English Channel. The trail was the main arterial road of the medieval Christianity that linked rual villages and cities to Rome. Today, these path has been rediscovered by a new wave of slow tourism enthusiast who choose an alternative way to travel.
Pilgrim’s Credentials
Those who walk the Via Francigena can enter in a deep connection with oneself but also in a network of people who host them along the way. In Italy, the route is historically scattered by Misericordie which can give free accommodation to wayfarers. That spirit is restored by private accomodation who decide to simulate the mercifull hospitality giving a special discount on their staying for all pilgrims. To do that you can get a pilgrim passport (which is not an official document!) where you can mark your walking achievement with persolaized stamp which can easily become a beautiful souvenir of your alternative journey.
