Via Francigena, stages in Puglia of the walk from Canterbury

Via Francigena, a thousand-year-old path between faith, nature and history

If you are looking for a route that combines faith, nature and history, the Via Francigena, starting from Canterbury and arriving in Puglia, is the ideal destination. Walking along the Via Francigena means discovering a piece of Europe that continues to inspire travellers of all times.

The Via Francigena is an ancient route, born in the 6th century. The Lombards built it to connect Pavia to the Duchies of Spoleto and Benevento. The Byzantine territories partly surrounded the Lombard Duchies who, to ensure a safe route to their destinations, chose a less frequented route. The latter crossed the Apennines at the height of the current Passo della Cisa, then called Mons Langobardorum, and headed towards Lucca after the Valle del Magra.

Via di Monte Bardone and its transformation

Initially, the Via Francigena was called Via di Monte Bardone, in honor of the Apennine pass of the same name that it crossed. From the end of the 8th century, with the arrival of Charlemagne and the annexation of northern Italy to the Franks, it took the name of Via Francigena, or "road originating from France".

Via Francigena, original destination extended to Rome

The final destination became Rome, seat of the papacy. This passage marked the transformation of the path into a spiritual route, used by sovereigns, pilgrims and travelers from all over Europe to reach the Vatican State.

Via Francigena: the first testimonies

The oldest written reference to the Via Francigena appears in the Actum Clusio document drawn up in the year 876, kept in the Abbey of San Salvatore on Monte Amiata. The document refers to a stretch of road in the countryside of Chiusi, in the province of Siena.

Via Francigena: Sigeric's contribution

In 990, Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury, provided the first detailed description of the route. In his diary he noted 79 stages and the stopping points (mansiones) of the journey from Rome to Canterbury.

Sigeric's information is still a valuable source for reconstructing the original Via Francigena.

Via Francigena: the testimony of St. Eldrado

In the 11th century, St. Eldrado, returning from Santiago de Compostela, chose to cross the Alps along the Via Francigena of Moncenisio. Arriving in the Susa Valley, he put down his staff and bag to enter the Abbey of Novalesa.

This episode highlights the deep connection between the different branches of the Via Francigena and the great pilgrimage itineraries.

Via Francigena: the centrality of pilgrimage

Between the 11th and 13th centuries, Christian pilgrimages acquired an increasingly important role.

The three most important pilgrimages, the three peregrinationes maiores, along the Via Francigena led to:

• The Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
• The tomb of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela.
• The tombs of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Rome.

Via Francigena: European hub of faith

The Via Francigena became an essential crossroads. Pilgrims from Northern Europe traveled along it to reach Rome and continue along the Via Appia towards Brindisi, thus embarking for the Holy Land. On the contrary, Italian pilgrims heading to Santiago headed north, passed through Luni or Moncenisio and then joined the Via Tolosana, in the direction of Spain.

Via Francigena stages from Rome to Puglia

The Via Francigena in the South is a unique historical itinerary, which connects Northern Europe to the Mediterranean, crossing breathtaking landscapes and places steeped in history. This route, which follows ancient Roman roads, was used by pilgrims to reach Rome and subsequently the ports for the Holy Land. Today, it represents a living link between past and present, an attraction for travellers in search of culture, spirituality and beauty.

The stages of the Via Francigena from Rome to Puglia are:

Via Francigena in Puglia

The Via Francigena is a thousand-year-old route that connects Northern Europe with Rome and, passing beyond, with Southern Italy until it crosses the entire Puglia region. In Puglia, the first documented traces date back to 1024, thanks to the Privilegium Baiulorum Imperialium found in Troia di Puglia on the Via Appia Traiana.

Even before the year 1000, the Lombards traveled part of this itinerary towards the Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo on Gargano. This route was called Via Sacra Langobardorum, a testimony to the religious importance of those places.

Main stages in Puglia

The Via Francigena in Puglia has a strategic importance. It passes through areas rich in history, such as Monte Sant’Angelo, a crossroads between the Via Micaelica and the Cammini dei Lombardi. The cultural and landscape heritage of this region attracts more and more travellers in search of authentic experiences.

Walking along the Via Francigena in Puglia allows you to discover authentic places, taste the Apulian cuisine and immerse yourself in a thousand-year-old cultural heritage.

Among the most important stops on the Via Francigena in Puglia are:

• Monte Sant’Angelo: famous sanctuary on the Gargano.
• Bari: strategic port and city rich in history.
• Brindisi: important maritime port already in Roman times.
• Santa Maria di Leuca: the suggestive Finibus Terrae.

Via Francigena: from Benevento to the San Vito pass

After passing Benevento, the Via Francigena goes up the Campanian Apennines. It reaches the San Vito pass, where the Crepacuore castle once stood, guarded by the knights of Jerusalem. The knights guaranteed safety to pilgrims in this mountainous stretch.

Via Francigena: stop in Troia, the gateway to the Tavoliere

Beyond the San Vito pass, the road reaches Troia, in the plain of the Tavoliere delle Puglie. From here, travelers could deviate towards the Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo on Gargano.

Via Appia Traiana: towards the ports of Puglia

Alternatively, the Via Francigena continued along the Via Appia Traiana itself. It reached Bari, Brindisi and Otranto, the main ports of call for embarking towards the Holy Land.

Visiting these places means retracing the routes of crusaders and pilgrims, to encounter artistic and architectural testimonies at each stage.

Via Francigena, route towards Monte Sant’Angelo and the Sanctuary of San Michele

Monte Sant’Angelo has a fundamental role in the development of the Vie Francigene. The Gargano area connects southern Italy to the European pilgrimage routes. In Monte Sant'Angelo there is an association that aims to strengthen the link with the itinerary, encouraging the culture of the Walks and enhancing the tourist offer.

Via Francigena, the stages in Puglia

The stages of the Via Francigena in Puglia, with departure, arrival and kilometers to travel are:

Via Francigena towards San Giovanni Rotondo and Monte Sant'Angelo

Starting from the city of Troia, in the province of Foggia, one of the fundamental stages of the Via Francigena in Puglia, it is possible to take a variant that takes travellers towards Gargano (in the north-east of Puglia).

Along the route, pilgrims can reach the Sanctuary of Padre Pio, in San Giovanni Rotondo. From San Giovanni Rotondo they can continue the journey until they reach the Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo, located in Monte Sant'Angelo.

The stages of the Via Francigena in Puglia to reach San Giovanni Rotondo and Monte Sant'Angelo are:

Via Francigena from Monte Sant'Angelo to Santa Maria di Leuca

If you want to reach the main route of the Via Francigena starting from Monte Sant'Angelo without having to go back towards Troia, you can continue along the coastal stretch that starts from Gargano until you reach Bari. From Bari you can then continue the traditional route until you reach the final stage of Santa Maria di Leuca.

Via Francigena, from Puglia to the Sassi of Matera

Starting from Ordona, south of Foggia, you can take the Via Francigena route that takes you to the city of Matera, located in the Basilicata region on the border with Puglia.

Here is the stage to reach Matera from the town of Ortona in the Tavoliere delle Puglia:

Via Francigena in Puglia, when to go

The Via Francigena in Puglia enjoys a generally mild climate. Winters are not excessively cold, with more frequent rains between January and March. In summer, however, temperatures can reach high values, especially in the inland areas.

Climate along the route

• Hilly and mountainous areas: on the Apennines and Gargano, winters can be colder, with sporadic snowfall at higher altitudes.
• Coastal areas: along the Puglia coast, temperatures are more stable and precipitation is less intense.

When to go: recommended periods

• Spring: from March to June, pleasant climate and landscapes in bloom.
• Autumn: from September to October, milder temperatures and fewer tourists.

In spring and autumn, it is therefore more pleasant to walk and visit the religious and historical sites scattered along the Via Francigena. Those who choose the summer must take into account the intense heat, while in winter it is necessary to be equipped to face possible rain and some snowfall in the mountain areas.

Choosing when to set off along the Via Francigena in Puglia depends on your preferences in terms of temperatures and crowds. Be well prepared and plan your stops to live a pleasant and authentic experience.

Via Francigena, signs and how to find your way

The Via Francigena is signposted differently depending on the areas it passes through. Understanding these signs is important, especially if you decide when to set off to tackle the route in Puglia or other regions.

Main signs along the Via Francigena

• White and red bands in paint or adhesive, compliant with the European abacus.
• Red arrows indicate Jerusalem, while the white ones lead towards Rome.

Local signs along the Via Francigena

Some areas of the Apennines and Salento have yellow signs introduced by local associations. If they are not accompanied by the classic white and red “flag”, it is best not to use them to follow the Via Francigena.

Other useful references

• Trail markers with the pilgrim’s tile.
• “VF” initials along the route.
• Brown road signs in urban areas.

Planning when to set off and knowing the signs helps you experience the route safely. The official signs guarantee a reliable route, even in the case of variants or alternative paths. Choose the ideal moment based on the weather, the turnout and your preparation, for an experience full of emotions on the Via Francigena.

Via Francigena, what is the credential and how to request it

The Via Francigena credential is an important document for those who choose to undertake the journey. In the past, it was used to demonstrate the pilgrimage and to obtain privileges, such as the right of passage in different territories.

Today it maintains a similar role, allowing travellers to access discounted rates at affiliated facilities and train stations.

Why the credential is useful

• It certifies the status of traveller.
• Ensures discounted prices in various facilities.
• Facilitates reception along the route.

Where to request the credential

• On the websites www.viefrancigene.org and www.terre.it/percorsi.
• In affiliated physical centres.

Carrying the credential with you helps you experience the Via Francigena in a more authentic way. Before deciding when to leave, evaluate the time of year based on the climate and turnout. Plan the stages, organise your luggage and obtain the credential, so you can enjoy every moment of the journey.

Via Francigena in Southern Italy

Today, following the Via Francigena from Rome to Puglia means immersing yourself in centuries of history and spirituality. This route, precious for pilgrims and travellers, continues to offer an extraordinary journey through culture, nature and devotion.

The Via Francigena south of Rome follows the Via Appia or the parallel Via Latina for long stretches, until it reaches Capua in Campania. From here, it passes through Benevento and continues along the Via Traiana.

The stages of the Via Francigena in the South cover approximately 930 km, crossing four Italian regions: Lazio, Campania, Basilicata and Puglia. This route has been carefully geolocalised to allow pilgrims and hikers to live an authentic and safe experience.

Main features of the Via Francigena in Southern Italy:

• Total length: 929.3 km
• Total stages: 45
• Maximum altitude: 900 m

This itinerary is a journey into the heart of Southern Italy, crossing villages, hills and coastal landscapes. Each stage is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the history, culture and natural beauty of the regions of Southern Italy.

Here is the list of the regions of Southern Italy crossed by the Via Francigena:

• Lazio
• Campania
• Basilicata
• Puglia

Via Francigena in Lazio

• Start: Parco dell'Appia Antica (Rome), a site rich in history and archaeology.
• Main crossings:
  • Velletri
  • Fondi
  • Gaeta, with its breathtaking coastal views.

Via Francigena in Campania

• Apennine scenery: Through the suggestive mountain landscapes of the Campanian Apennines.
• Significant stages:
  • Teano, an ancient town with medieval history.
  • Benevento, famous for its Roman arch and the legend of the witches.

Via Francigena in Basilicata

Main attractions:

• Venosa, birthplace of the Latin poet Horace.
• Melfi, known for its Norman castle and picturesque village.

Via Francigena in Puglia

• Final destination: The crystalline sea of ​​Leuca, where the route ends.
• Main stops:
  • Canosa di Puglia, with its archaeological heritage.
  • Bari, ancient port of pilgrimages to the Holy Land.
  • Brindisi, historical and cultural crossroads.
  • Monte Sant'Angelo, home to the famous Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo, a UNESCO heritage site.