The Via Francigena (the Road from France) is an ancient pilgrim route stretching across Europe from Canterbury, England, through France and Switzerland before culminating in Rome, Italy. In places, the Via Francigena may be multiple paths but generally follows the route taken by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sigeric the Serious to Rome, which pilgrims have followed for hundreds of years to the tombs of the apostles Peter and Paul in the Holy See.

These articles are intended to assist pilgrims as they plan their pilgrimages, including recommended gear, tips, and key learnings gathered from my own journey, as well as hiking experiences on the Appalachian Trail, the Florida Trail, and the Camino de Santiago.

A Beginners Guide to the Via Francigena

One of the oldest published pilgrimage routes in Europe, the Via Francigena is largely overshadowed by the more popular Camino de Santiago through Spain. Following the historic route recorded by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sigeric the Serious, to present himself to the Pope John XB in 990 AD, the Via Francigena takes pilgrims from England through France and Switzerland before culminating in Rome, Italy Walking the Via Francigena: The Route Unlike the Camino de Santiago and its many paths to Santiago de Compostela, the Via Francigena has one singular starting point: ...
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Key Differences Between the Camino de Santiago and Via Francigena

It is important for pilgrims to know that the Via Francigena is completely unlike the Camino de Santiago in many ways. Beyond the obvious difference in distance, the Via Francigena is a more European route. The customs and languages are much more varied and there is truly no "common tongue" along the way. A good two-way translation app, such as Microsoft Translator (iOS/Android) or Google Translate (iOS/Android), as well as a willingness to learn courtesy expressions in English, French, German and Italian are recommended. Another key difference is far fewer ...
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VIA FRANCIGENA ESSENTIALS

Via Francigena Packing List – Updated 2022

With travel permitted to Italy during COVID, in Spring 2022 I will walk sections of the Via Francigena to Rome, completing the final sections of the route I began in 2021 at Canterbury Cathedral in ...
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Where are the Apostles of Jesus Buried?

Some of the most revered pilgrimage routes in the world culminate at tombs of Jesus's disciples, including the Camino de Santiago and the Via Francigena. All but one died a martyr. Here are the final ...
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Earning the Testimonium on the Via Francigena

Are you walking the Via Francigena and interested in earning the pilgrim's certificate for completing the way? Pilgrims who walk the last 100km along the Via Francigena (or those who cycle the last 200km of ...
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HOW TO: Follow Trail Markers and Trail Blazes in Europe

As an experienced backpacker in the United States, I'm well-acquainted with how to read and follow trail blazes in North America. However, when I started hiking distance routes and trails in Europe, ...
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VIA FRANCIGENA PODCAST EPISODES

EP1: Interview with Camino Pilgrim & Author Sandy Brown

PODCAST HOMEPAGE: www.sacredstepspodcast.com Cicerone Press Associate Publisher Sandy Brown (www.caminoist.org) joins Author Kevin Donahue (www.sacredstepsbook.com) to discuss their pilgrimage experiences, Sandy's ...
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EP4: Interview with Global Pilgrim Kevin Considine

Podcast Homepage - sacredstepspodcast.com Pilgrim Kevin Considine joins author Kevin Donahue (http://www.sacredstepsbook.com) to discuss his global pilgrimages: the Kumano Kodo, ...
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EXPERT ARTICLES

Via Francigena Packing List – Updated 2022

With travel permitted to Italy during COVID, in Spring 2022 I will walk sections of the Via Francigena to Rome, completing the final sections of ...
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Earning the Testimonium on the Via Francigena

Are you walking the Via Francigena and interested in earning the pilgrim's certificate for completing the way? Pilgrims who walk the last 100km along the ...
Read More

2021 British Pilgrimage Packing List

With COVID pandemic restrictions lifted in the U.K. for vaccinated travelers, in late September and early October 2021 I will walk three historic pilgrim pathways ...
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Layering Ultralight Clothing for Pilgrimage Backpacking

For those who follow this blog or my podcast (APPLE | GOOGLE | YOUTUBE | WWW), you're familiar with my essential packing list for the ...
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PILGRIM RESOURCES FOR COVID-19

Following the deadly outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, most pilgrimage plans along the Camino de Santiago and Via Francigena were canceled or delayed in 2020 ...
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HOW TO: Follow Trail Markers and Trail Blazes in Europe

As an experienced backpacker in the United States, I'm well-acquainted with how to read and follow trail blazes in North America. However, when I started ...
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Packing List: Backpacking Gear for England’s Pilgrims’ Way

I was first drawn to England's ancient pilgrimage route to the shrine of St. Thomas Becket following my 2019 Camino de Santiago. With my eyes ...
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PACKING LIST: First-Aid Kit for Blisters and Foot Care

One of the questions I get from both experienced and newer backpackers alike is: what first aid and foot care items should I carry in ...
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HOW TO: Five Tips for Urban Hiking

Nearly all of my pilgrimage trips have included some amount of urban hiking through modern cities, including the Camino de Santiago as you arrive at ...
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PACKING LIST: Backpacking First-Aid Kit

As a lifelong Scout and Scout Leader, I've probably created and carried more than 30 unique first-aid kits over the years. I say "created" because ...
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