Via Francigena was the name given to a group of roads that connected the main European towns to Rome.

Also known as Via Francesca or Via Romea (but also as Via Franchigena), it can be considered as a sort of medieval and Renaissance "expressway" through which pilgrims, merchants and noble families with their entourage reached Rome.

Actually, the Via Francigena was not created for religious reasons.
On the contrary, it was realized for strategic-military purposes at the time of the Longobard occupation of Italy.

If you have rented a farmhouse or a villa in the province of Siena , you will see many brown signs with a traveller on them: they indicate the Via Francigena.

This group of roads runs through the province of Siena from north to south. Every year many tourists visit the many villages established and the abbeys, monasteries and "spedali" (a sort of inns for travellers) built along the Via Francigena in the course of the centuries.

In the last few year, numerous modern pilgrims and slow holiday fans have visited the Via Francigena and the towns along the road have created the Associazione dei Comuni Italiani sulla Via Francigena, an association you can address if you need information.

So, if you are looking for a charming route for your hikes and horseback rides... the Via Francigena is what you need!