Tag: italy

Beginner’s Guide to the Way of St. Francis (Via di Francesco)

Beginner’s Guide to the Way of St. Francis (Via di Francesco)

The Way of St Francis in Italy, also known as the Via di Francesco or the Cammino di Francesco, links cherished sites that bear witness to the life and teachings of St. Francis of Assisi from Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. Beginning at the Sanctuary of 

Via Francigena Packing List – Updated 2022

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 England. Throughout my journey, I intend to sleep in hostels 

Earning the Testimonium on the Via Francigena

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 the route) can earn the Testimonium upon arrival at St. 

The Way of Loreto Pilgrimage – Via Lauretana

The Way of Loreto Pilgrimage – Via Lauretana

The Via Lauretana – the Way of Loreto – is an ancient Italian Camino across Umbria from Assisi to the Holy House of Mary (Santa Casa di Loreto) in Loreto. A Marian pilgrimage, the Via Lauretana begins at the city of San Francesco and concludes at 

HOW TO: Follow Trail Markers and Trail Blazes in Europe

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,

Where are the Apostles of Jesus Buried?

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 resting places of the relics of the Apostles.   WHERE 

Key Differences Between the Camino de Santiago and Via Francigena

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 

A Beginners Guide to the Via Francigena

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