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M. Crocefisso

Massaciuccoli

Padule di

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s Stories and places along the in Tuscany

STEP BY STEP BETWEEN VISIT THE FORTS AND ENJOY THE HOSPITALITY AND THE APUAN PIAZZAS OF THE CITY OF THE VILLAGES IN THE OF ART PLAIN OF Central-North Central-North

Altopascio > San > 8. 29.0

Lucca > Altopascio > Lucca 7. San Quirico d’Orcia > > d’Orcia Quirico San 15. 18.5 32.3

merely asks for a small offer. small a for asks merely inhabitants of the Francigena lands. lands. Francigena the of inhabitants

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comed in “a donativo” accommodation that that accommodation donativo” “a in comed

by asking for directions and advice from the the from advice and directions for asking by F

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the Testimonium once you arrive in . Rome. in arrive you once Testimonium the your smartphone. Finding your way is easy easy is way your Finding smartphone. your

Aulla > Sarzana > 3. > Monteriggioni > Gimignano San 11. 17.5 31.0

bike, the Credential will allow you to receive receive to you allow will Credential the bike, official sites so you can view the track on on track the view can you so sites official

Pontremoli > Aulla > 2. > San Gimignano San > Terme Gambassi 10. T 32.5 13.4

at least the final 100km by foot or 200km by by 200km or foot by 100km final the least at to download the itinerary from one of the the of one from itinerary the download to

Passo della Cisa > Pontremoli > Cisa della Passo 1. San Miniato > Gambassi Terme Gambassi > Miniato San 9.

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15

Grosseto

cialties that await to nourish the traveller. the nourish to await that cialties the Val d’Orcia and the climb to Radicofani. Radicofani. to climb the and d’Orcia Val the

councils Cinquale

- spe oenogastronomical the to flavour the give “moonscapes” of the Crete Senesi, the magic of of magic the Senesi, Crete the of “moonscapes”

Siena

ive groves and vineyards. The fruits of the land land the of fruits The vineyards. and groves ive by southwards give the journey a mystic air: the the air: mystic a journey the give southwards by 39

- ol fields, cultivated and pastures streams, and

are iconic witnesses. The landscapes passing passing landscapes The witnesses. iconic are

Arezzo

offers a hilly green landscape alternating woods woods alternating landscape green hilly a offers the bas-relief “labyrinth” of Lucca’s cathedral cathedral Lucca’s of “labyrinth” bas-relief the

dle stretch of the Tuscan itinerary, in particular, particular, in itinerary, Tuscan the of stretch dle

way. The wooden statue of the Volto Santo and and Santo Volto the of statue wooden The way.

Pisa M. Crocefisso

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- mid The countryside. open the and villages art, hundreds of places of worship found along the the along found worship of places of hundreds

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The walk is lent a spiritual dimension by the the by dimension spiritual a lent is walk The

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Nature Spirituality

Massa

Pistoia Prato

ly order, provided accommodation to pilgrims. pilgrims. to accommodation provided order, ly green valleys of significant naturalistic interest. interest. naturalistic significant of valleys green

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in Tuscany in naissance… The ancient route route pilgrimage ancient The naissance… marks the highest point at 1,041 metres above above metres 1,041 at point highest the marks

Via Francigena Francigena Via be followed on foot, by bike or astride astride or bike by foot, on followed be On the tracks of the and the Re the and Ages Middle the of tracks the On - The access point is the Passo della Cisa which which Cisa della Passo the is point access The

map of the the of map

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Mountains History Download the the Download

the ancient European route. An An route. European ancient the

Set off for a walk in the heart of of heart the in walk a for off Set The Via Francigena in Tuscany is... Tuscany in Francigena Via The viafrancigena.visittuscany.com Toscana Massaciuccoli

Padule di

Fucecchio Francigena l

s Three legs to discover, step by step, cathedrals. The third is immersed in the Francigena the places and territories of the Cen- Piana di Lucca between the villages of tre-North Aggregation of the Tuscan Via the councils of , , Mon- Francigena. The first leg crosses Versi- tecarlo, Altopascio and Ponte Buggi- Saint-Maurice lia, from its breath-taking valleys to the anese, wandering amongst churches, aq- Toscana slopes of the Apuan Alps. The next leg ueducts and hostels of ancient tradition; winds through the Lucchesia inlands all famous are the “hospitals” founded by Roma M. S. Angelo the way to the jewel of art and culture: the Knights of Tau and the Medici family. the city of Lucca whose S. Maria di Leuca Central-North walls preserve enchanting and

Pasquilio S. Gemignano Massa Levigliani Fornovolasco Bagni Casabasciana Azzano di Lucca Terrinca Crasciana Cardoso Ponte A12 Fabbiano Fornoli Brandeglio Casa di Monte a Serraglio Pontito

SS1 Stiappa Pontestazzemese Fabbriche Lanciole Calamecca Strettoia di Vallico Crespole Ripa Vetriano SS12 M. Matanna Pascoso Colognora Castelvecchio Vallecchia Pomezzana 1318 di Serra a Mozzano Pistoiese Pozzi Cinquale Querceta Villa a Roggio Capriglia Pescaglia Gello Boveglio Ponterosso Casoli Villabuona Piegaio- -Alto Vellano Forte Metato M. Prana Trebbio dei Marmi 1218 Convalle -Basso Valdottavo M. Crocefisso Fiano Torre Marliana SS1 Camaiore 997 Capornano Loppeglia Pizzorna Pietrabuona Domazzano Vinchiana Botticino Marina di Torcigliano Villa Capezzano Bozzano Pietrasanta Pianore Sesto A12 Nocchi di Moriano Matraia Massa Montemagno S. Martino in Freddana Ponte a Moriano Piano di Mommio S. Pancrazio Valpromaro Saltocchio Collodi SR 439 S. Cassiano Tofori Castello Stiava Gualdo di Moriano Piazzano Marlia Ponte all'Abate Margine Coperta S. Lorenzo S. Allucio Lido di Moriano Segromigno in Monte S. Lucia Fibbialla Montecatini T. SS12 S. Colombano di Camaiore Mutigliano o Camigliano i Veneri Borgo h S. Pietro a Buggiano c Camigliano r a Vico Gallo e Lammari S. Gemma Traversagna Via Francigena S S. Cassiano Forone . Segromigno F a Vico S. Alessio in Piano SR 435 Molin A11 Via Nova Farneta Lunata Nuovo Alternative route Monte S. Santissima S. Salvatore Casabianca Maggiano Quirico Annunziata

Bozzano Rughi Montecarlo Chiesanuova Albinatico Hostel Water S. Maria Nave Tempagnano

Quiesa a Colle S. Angelo di Lunata Ponte Nozzano Chiesina HotelHotel Food S. Pietro Montuolo in Campo Marginone Buggianese Massaciuccoli Lucca Capannori Paganico Porcari Uzzanese T Lago di Nozzano Castello Old town Farm holiday Meati

Massaciuccoli Balbano A11 Cerasomma Gattaiola Badia Anchione Pozzeveri Landscape Things to see

Puccini A11 Padule di Marina SS1 Spianate di Guamo Altopascio Fucecchio F Restaurant Doctor S. Leonardo in Treponzio S. Ginese A12 Molina di Compito C A11 Coselli Massa Macinaia a Church Camping site di Quosa n SS12 S. Giusto SR 439 a le Vorno di Compito R Bed & Avane o Transport g Breakfast Vecchiano S. Andrea i di Compito o S. Maria Pieve Pilgrim passport stamping di Compito Galleno F del Giudice . M S Arena S. Andrea Colle di e e Metato a Pescaiola rc o Compito i h Migliarino Ruota i S. Giuliano T. n a o Pisano t Gello e M. Serra b Scale 1:185.000 P 917 r i e Madonna s a n dell'Acqua o C Ponte a Cappiano Castelmaggiore e 0 5 km Agnano L Buti Fucecchio

Leg 26 Massa - Camaiore 25,9 km Leg 27 Camaiore - Lucca 23,8 km Leg 28 Lucca - Altopascio 18,5 km

400 400 400 Castello di 300 300 Montemagno 300 Aghinolfi Valpromaro 200 200 200 Badia Ponte Massa Pietrasanta Camaiore Camaiore Lucca Capannori Porcari Pozzeveri Altopascio Buggianese 100 100 100 Lucca 0 0 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Comune di Seravezza di Massarosa Comune di Capannori Comune di Altopascio Via Francigena Pro Loco Turistica Info Point Comune IAT Capannori Info Point Comune Entry Point - Museum Via Corrado del Greco 11 Rotonda G. Mazzini Piazza Aldo Moro 1 Piazza Garibaldi 10 Via dei Bacchettoni 8 Lucca +39 0584 757325 fraz. Montramito +39 0583 428588 +39 0583 216525 +39 0583 496554 +39 0584 433696 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] prolocoseravezza.it [email protected] capannori-terraditoscana.org comune.altopascio.lu.it viafrancigenaentrypoint.eu Tourist offices comune.massarosa.lu.it Comune di Pietrasanta Comune di Porcari Comune All information on what to Tourist Office Città di Lucca Public Library di Ponte Buggianese see and where to eat and Piazza Statuto - +39 0584 283375 Tourist Office Via Roma 121 Municipality sleep. [email protected] Piazza Curtatone +39 0583 211884 Piazza Santuario 1 comune.pietrasanta.lu.it +39 0583 442213 [email protected] +39 0572 93211 [email protected] [email protected] Comune di Camaiore Comune di Montecarlo comune.ponte-buggianese.pt.it Here you can IAT Vecchia Porta San Donato Municipality Pro Loco request and receive Piazzale Verdi Piazza San Bernardino da Siena 1 Via Roma 7 your Pilgrim’s +39 0583 583150 +39 0584 986272 +39 0583 228881 Credential [email protected] [email protected] turismo.lucca.it [email protected] comune.camaiore.lu.it comune.montecarlo.lu.it

Pietrasanta Massarosa Canonici Regolari Altopascio Ponte Casa Diocesana La Rocca Ostello Parrocchiale Lateranensi Hostal Badia Buggianese Via della Rocca 10 Casa del Pellegrino Via San Nicolao 76 Via della Chiesa 331 1311522 Ostello Dogana del +39 0584 793094 loc. Valpromaro loc. Badia Pozzeveri Capannone [email protected] (di fianco alla chiesa) Pellegrinario San Davino +39 0583 1808194 – +39 335 7025335 Hospitality +39 0584 956028 iniziativaturistica.org/hostalbadia loc. Dogana del Capannone Via San Leonardo 12 +39 0572 93211 Camaiore [email protected] +39 0583 53576 – +39 366 1062641 Hospitality is a millennia- Foresteria dei Pellegrini NB: the hostel is momentarily Ostello Comunale [email protected] Piazza Vittorio Emanuele 23 closed old value and tradition of Lucca luccatranoi.it the Via Francigena. Every del Pellegrino +39 0583 216525 comune.ponte-buggianese.pt.it/il- Ostello di San Frediano territorio/alberghi-ristoranti pilgrim travelling to and Via Madonna della Pietà Capannori +39 0583 216280 – +39 366 5708802 from Rome, sometimes (centro storico) Via della Cavallerizza 12 altopasciocultura.it/foresteria from the Holy Land, could +39 345 1168661 NB: the hostel is momentarily Ostello La Salana View the full list find accommodation ostellodicamaiore.it closed Via del Popolo 182 of hostels: together with their fellow Arciconfraternita +39 339 7237912 travellers. Still today, there della Misericordia ostellolasalana.it is an official network of hostels along the road, as Via Cesare Battisti 2 Ostello Rio di Vorno +39 0583 494902 well as the “a donativo” Via del Folle Mansi 1, loc. Vorno NB: the facility is momentarily facilities or those for +39 0583 97108 closed tourists at a range of rates. ilriodivorno.it [email protected] Leg 26 Leg 27 Leg 28 Alternative route Altopascio > Events Ponte Massa > Camaiore Camaiore > Lucca Lucca >Altopascio There are a number of folkloristic, religious and sporting events that bring life to the territory. Buggianese Here is a selection of events to get to know the traditions and inhabitants of the lands crossed by the Tuscan Francigena. DISTANCE ELEVATION GAIN TOWNS DISTANCE ELEVATION GAIN TOWNS DISTANCE ELEVATION GAIN TOWNS DISTANCE A Francigena International Arts km m/slm km m/slm km m/slm km U Festival 25,95152 23,8 412 218,5 20 3 27 G ALTOPASCIO, CAPANNORI E LUCCA U International Festival of Artistic Training S T and Performance established to spread VERSILIA AND THE THE ENCHANTMENT ALONG THE PLAIN ELEVATION GAIN and embrace the culture, traditions and music of the Via Francigena. APUAN ALPS OF THE INLAND TOWARDS THE francigenafestival.it m/slm The imposing position of Castello Aghinolfi, of Lon- 20 gobard origin, testifies to the strategic importance of VALLEYS MAZE controlling the Via Francigena below; from this cas- S Luminara di Santa Croce Between the cities of Camaiore and Lucca, where Curiously, the departure and arrival points of the tle it was possible to directly overlook the ancient E Versilia ends and Lucchesia begins, the Via Franci- six kilometres that separate Lucca from Capannori 13 SEPTEMBER / LUCCA road, narrow in this mandatory passage between P gena offers a leg of intimate enchantment just like are marked by two, very different mazes, linked to TOWNS Lucca celebrates the miraculous Holy the coast and sea on one side and the extraordinary T the geography of the territory it crosses, charac- the history and importance of the Via Francigena. Face with religious celebrations and mountain profiles on the other. In fact, on the Franci- E terised by small valleys and pathways, tiny villag- The journey starts with the maze-shape bas re- historical re-enactments. The evening gena itinerary that crosses the Versilia undiscovered M es and beautiful views. The rise and fall of these lief in the pillar of the Cathedral of San Martino, of the 13th September, a traditional glimpses alternate as we wander through the woods B narrow valleys, dominated in part by the forms of certainly the most meaningful place to start your 3 procession through the streets of between the mountain and valley areas. Seravezza E the Apuan Alps, provide some wonderful views walk. Leaving the city, the route continues along Lucca illuminated for the occasion with is a natural entrance to the wonders of the Apuan R over the hills. The sea is a stone’s throw away, and the countryside of the Piana di Lucca until you can thousands of tiny lights. Alps. Between ancient marble quarries and wooded often makes its presence felt with the smell of salt see the crenellated bell tower of the church of San- turismo.lucca.it/it/eventi/ mountains, its centre is curiously characterised by carried on the wind. The ascent in Montemagno is ti Quirico e Giulitta in Capannori, built in 786 AD the joining of the Serra and Vezza rivers which - unit- easy. An ancient mule track, many stretches going and recognisable thanks to its characteristic Ro- ing in the very heart of the inhabited area - are the FrancigenAmica through the woods, leads to the modest summit of festival dedicated to children. Arriving in Valpro- manesque style facade. It is in “Capannole”, as the source of the Versilia river. Here marble has always Versilia with a road between the mountains and the Francigena and Cassia, you can find the church of 215 metres above sea level, more than high enough maro, however, you can find hospitality at the Os- city was called in the past, it is said that a Lombard CAMAIORE been a precious identifying element, illustriously sea. In order to walk in the footsteps of the Medici, San Giusto, an impressive structure of white mar- for a pleasant view over the valley. After the village tello del Pellegrino. The magic of the Francigena priest and Presbyterian nun founded a chapel and Educational-sporting event to discover proven by Giovanni de’ Medici’s commissioning of today in Seravezza you can visit the splendid castle ble adjacent to the bell tower< from the church of Montemagro, you enter the Sei Miglia territory is also this: imagining pilgrims, knights, merchants, hospital along the Via Francigena to give aid and the Versilia stretch of the Via Francigena. the great Michelangelo Buonarroti: to use the marble commissioned by Cosimo I de’ Medici in the second porch you can admire the entire city and the beau- which runs along the course of the river in the nar- travellers, prelates and princes waiting for morning comfort to the pilgrims. Still in Capannori walking Three routes and fun for all the family, extracted in the Seravezza mountains for the facade half of the 16th century. In fact, the Palazzo Mediceo tiful view over the plains. A visit to the Fossa Nera row, woody Valfreddana. We would advise you to in this narrow town between the hills and the river. along the new “Pilgrim’s Labyrinth” is an unusu- sports lovers and pets. of the San Lorenzo church in and to build is one of the best examples of noble Tuscan architec- archeological area is a must, where you can enjoy follow the bypass (about 3 km long and well sign- A few more gullies, some wooden bridges, a sweet al experience. The work is bordered by wooden a road from the quarries to the sea. The task proved ture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. looking at a village dating back to the Bronze Age The event is held on the penultimate posted) that leads to Valpromaro passing through ascent towards Piazzano where you can enjoy a posts and located in the park of the Athena Town arduous and Michelangelo found himself against with Etruscan and Roman finds. Sunday of the month. Gualdo , a lovely village dating back to the year final view of the panorama; then the descent to- Museum. A visit to the maze, also accessible to many difficulties; so much so that, when the first francigenamica.com 1000. This small area of Massarosa, immersed in wards the river and cross it - meaning for the visually impaired, means stepping around the marble finally reached Florence in 1521, the project green and famous for its ovens, is a labyrinth of you, as it has always meant for travellers that just “Capasanta”, the shell symbol of pilgrims. A few for the facade had already been abandoned. How- stone houses and piazzas. Gualdo is known as the a few steps more and you will be in the splendour more kilometres and you arrive in Porcari. In the Francigena Tuscany Marathon ever, it wasn’t a complete failure, as it left Medicean Fairy Tale Town for this as well as its mid-August of Lucca. village, located on the ancient crossroads between PIETRASANTA E LUCCA The first marathon on the Via Francigena in Tuscany following the place to see; one of the most unique and character- the city. arriving in the city are embraced by an alternation ancient “Sigerico” itinerary which is to istic squares of Tuscany, it was built on the remains The fortress, made up of three towers, was built of tradition and contemporaneity. Pietrasanta is FINALLY, LUCCA THE FORTRESS be undertaken exclusively by foot. The EXPLORING of the ancient Roman amphitheatre and today its in the 13th century on the highest point of the hill known as the historical-artistic capital of Versilia marathon is held on the last Sunday of After having crossed internal valleys and small vil- oval shape and colourful, folkloristic buildings where the village is located, a strategic position MARBLE AND and wandering its streets you immediately under- TOWN the month. stand why: a wealth of ancient churches and colour- lages with the Apuan Alps at your back, you now make it a small gem, almost a separate, intimate that made Montecarlo the battleground for many ALTERNATIVE francigenatuscanymarathon.com CONTEMPORARY ed buildings, you often find classic and contempo- find the course of the Serchio river that leads step place away from the rest of the city. The charm of A rocky, intimate village: the town of Montecarlo conflicts between Florence, Pisa and Lucca. The rary statues living in perfect harmony in the roads of by step to the historical centre of Lucca. Wander- Lucca can also be seen in the Guinigi Tower from offers travellers silence and invaluable views of the Fortress is now privately-owned, but it is possible which you can admire the Via Francigena walked to visit it at certain times during the year as well WATERWAYS ART the centre. Overlooked by the Rocca di Sala, a for- ing along the fortified walls is a unique experience: Tuscan hills, as well as a lot of history and some O tified complex from which you can see the Palazzo four kilometres and two hundred metres of wall, so far and that part which remains to be walked, interesting curiosities. Protected by the fortress, as opening for shows and cultural events. A visit Slow Travel Festival. Between Altopascio, Ponte Buggianese and C Moroni, the church of Sant’Agostino and the whole built between the mid 1500s and the mid 1600s, surrounded by seven beech trees suspended in a Montecarlo’s charm has remained unchanged to the Rocca is recommended not only so you can Pietrasanta is a treasure box hidden in Versilia. Fucecchio you can discover an alternative itin- T Climbing & Trekking historical centre, the city is a pearl that opens itself embracing the entire city in a regenerative walk in garden 45 metres high. With your feet back on the thanks to the imposing walls that surround it and immerse yourself in this ancient treasure box, but Known as “Little Athens” because of the quantity of erary to the Via Francigena which is surprising O CAMAIORE up slowly to its travellers. The “artistic walk” along greenery. The Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is a magical ground, you simply must visit the cathedral of San the Rocca del Cerruglio, the defensive bastion of also to admire the magnificent Italian-style garden works of art it holds and for its long history: those for the waterways that accompany the travellers Festival dedicated to the Francigena the streets reaches its climax in the piazza shadowed Martino, unusually asymmetrical, and its “maze”. within. Amongst the alleyways and little streets, in B along their way. and outdoor activities that best by the Cathedral of San Martino and where you can This bas relief sculpted into the stone, found in the just a few steps you arrive in the main square, an E The walk from Altopascio reaches the Sibolla characterizes this Apuan stretch and find a series of works of contemporary art. In fact, pillar to the right of the portico, is one of the most enchanting panoramic stone terrace and one of R lake, a pleasant natural reservoir, and follows the the city of Camaiore, one of the most the streets of the city are scattered with numerous fascinating mysteries in : some say it’s to do the most unique buildings of the village: the Teatro of the emissary of the Sibolla all the way to popular destinations in Italy for trekkers statues by internationally-famed artists such as Igor with the Templar history but if you look closer you dei Rassicurati. Famous for being one of the small- the Dogana del Capannone in the Council of Pon- and climbers.. Mitoraj and Fernando Botero; an open-air exhibition can read an inscription referring to the legend of est theatres in Italy, it is also known for its fervent te Buggianese. The imposing 16th century build- highlights the “Centauro” by the Polish artist in the Ariadne and Theseus. WIth its certainly allegorical activities as early as 1639, when the Accademia slowtravelfest.it/camaiore ing, characterised by underground granaries, was piazza of the same name and Botero’s “Il Guerriero” and symbolic significance - perhaps also linked to degli Assicurati, a group of young actors, decided a strategic frontier point between the states of in Piazza Matteotti, but also the large frescoes by the the passing of the Via Francigena - the maze con- to only welcome foreign theatre companies to the Florence and Lucca thanks to the Padule canals Columbian artist who made Pietrasanta his work- tains a religious message. “Ariadne’s thread” of the theatre. N that acted as navigable trade routes linking Vald- Francigena dell’Arte shop-home. The Bozzetti Museum is also worth a legend became faith able to lead the pilgrim to the A visit to Montecarlo is a pleasure for all the sens- O inievole with the river. Just a few steps from visit, preserving 700 drawings of sculptures by more light and towards God. One legend also says that es, throughout the year: it is part of oenogastro- V PIETRASANTA the Dogana del Capannone and you reach the than 350 artists who chose the workshops of Versilia those condemned to death would be let off if they nomic itineraries regarding the Strada del Vino e E Art competition dedicated to the history Padule di Fucecchio, the largest inland wetland to create their works, making Pietrasanta the world could guess the correct way on the first try. dell’Olio (road of wine and oil) which encompass and tradition of the Via Francigena for in Italy. This reserve of biodiversity is a refuge M capital of sculpture. The International Park of Con- various councils in Lucchesia. The Museum of the creation of works to place in public for hundreds of species of birds and constitutes B temporary Sculpture is the perfect open-air progres- Wine has free entry and you can always stop off areas to decorate an event or a walk of a fundamental leg on the migratory routes. Tito E sion of the museum, home to the works of more than in one of the numerous wine cellars to sample the particular symbolism. Livio narrates that Carthaginian soldiers passed R 50 artists, winding through the city streets and en- DOC Montecarlo white or red wines, as well as cavpietrasanta.it through these marshes led by Hannibal, the mer- riching both the urban landscape as well as the souls their Extra Virgin on a couple of slices of cenary captain who lost an eye as well as several of those who wander the city. warm bread. elephants because of the damp, insalubrious air. The tradition of fishing is still active today but D has ancient origins: Cosimo I dei Medici had the Francigena Food. marshes dried and transformed into a reservoir E AN WITH A VIA FRANCIGENA THE KNIGHTS for fishing and river trade. This alternative itiner- C Il cibo dei pellegrini ary can be followed along the banks by foot, bike E LUCCA MOUNTAIN VIEW ENTRY POINT OF TAU M or horse, or navigating with the traditional “bar- Themed meetings on correct nutrition chini” (run by local associations) that give travel- B Surrounded by the enchanting heights of the Apuan The easiest place to pick up your pilgrim’s Creden- Walking the Via Francigena today, among the lakes while walking these routes with a lers an unexpected experience. Whether by land E valorisation of typical local products. Alps, Camaiore is a fundamental leg of the Franci- tial and receive your stamp in Lucca is the new Via of the Piana di Lucca and the Padule is no longer or water, you arrive at Ponte a Cappiano where R gena, nestling in green hills. Having arrived in the Francigena Entry Point complex, made up of the as risky as it was centuries ago, when the treacher- you can join the next leg of the Via Francigena; turismo.lucca.it - ildesco.eu historical centre, you will be bewitched by the stone Museum and Hospitality area, located in the city’s ous Cerbaie woods reserved unpleasant surprises this hamlet of the Council of Fucecchio welcomes of the facade and the belltower of the Collegiata of extraordinary 16th walls. The Museum is found for the travellers with highwayman attacks. The pilgrims with a wonderful fortified Medicean Santa Maria Assunta, an emblematic building of ec- inside the Bastione San Salvatore, also known as Ostello di Altopascio, branch of the Knights of the bridge; the hostel is located right on the Cappi- clesiastic architecture dating to the 18th century. In the former Casa del Boia (Executioner’s House), a Tau, was a safe refuge for all pilgrims crossing the ano bridge, suspended over the Padule canals. The above events may be changed or Via IV Novembre, where the Via Francigena used to majestic building that still preserves the fascinat- Via Francigena needing to find somewhere to hide cancelled. pass, you can visit the ancient church of San Michele ing 14th century walls and mysterious charm of the from delinquents. The hostel, which was no more (medieval, destroyed during the second world war underground tunnels. Over the three floors of the than the complex of the “spedale”, was founded in and then rebuilt) and the Museum of Sacred Art, museum you can bask in the history of the city and the second half of the 11th century by the Order of with various, important works, paintings and wood- the Via Francigena; through interactive content Saint James of Altopascio, known as the Knights of CREDITS en sculptures. Wandering the alleys of the city, just and multimedia videos, visitors are transported the Tau. They were known by the sign of “Tau” be- outside the historical centre we arrive at the Abbey in a virtual experience of the walk according to cause the Greek letter evoked the shape of the pil- A project by Ciclica Srl in collaboration of San Pietro in Camaiore; founded by Benedic- the viewpoints of imaginary travellers who have grim’s staff and symbolically also recalled the cross. with the Aggregazione Francigena tine monks, the monastic complex was a reference followed the Via Francigena over seven centuries, The monks hosted the pilgrims in their rooms, of- also included the church of San Jacopo Maggiore, Toscana Centro-Nord point for pilgrims travelling the road towards Rome. established in the rooms of the monastery of the from the year 1000 to the end of the 17th century. In the heart of the city, along the fortified walls, you fering food and assistance, even with specific “san- where it is still today possible to see the medieval Crossing the ancient threshold of the surrounding Abbey of San Pietro: a refuge with a view over the The immersive experience takes the traveller on a can also find the Ostello San Frediano, a charming itary” treatments, as well as safety during their stay facade in stone and black and white marble and Cartographic information: walls, you step back in time: the three-nave plan of Apuan mountains that silently welcomes travellers different journey, one back in time, amongst sto- place that will soon accommodate travellers of the thanks to the architectural structure of the hospital the marvellous bell tower, both located in the piaz- © OpenStreetMap contributors the church, the apse and low wall of the facade are on their way to or from Rome. The long history of ries about the city of Lucca and simulated itinerar- Francigena. It’s not every day, in fact, that you can complex, surrounded by an imposing wall. Around za dedicated to the Order. Still today, the hostel of © Regione Toscana stay in a former 17th century convent, another per- Altopascio works to accommodate travellers, fol- original of the Romanesque structure and inside you pilgrimage, from the Middle Ages to today, finds its ies and legs of the Via Francigena. The Hospitality 1200, the hospital underwent a fervent period of Map: © webmapp.it can find works of art from the 1300s and the splendid natural environment here. Art and history, paths and area has been set up in the Casermetta (barracks) fect place from which to discover Lucca. pilgrimage right up to its decline in the early 1500s lowing a tradition of hospitality that saw its apex 17th century organ. If you are lucky enough to visit natural parks, as well as its typical products: tordel- in front of the Bastione, the perfect place to rest when the pontifical branch was moved to Avignon in the Middle Ages. Cover photo: Enrico Caracciolo the city during the summertime, you will be able to li camaioresi, or cold cuts, such as mortadella (also and freshen up with a relaxation area, cafe and eat- and the wars between Lucca and Florence started hear this organ played during the Festival Organisti- known as sbriciolona) and lard, are just a few of the ery where you can try some local typical products. to involve the territory of Altopascio. This complex co Città di Camaiore. The Pilgrims’ Hostel has been flavours and aromas that cannot be missed! M. Crocefisso

Massaciuccoli

Padule di Fucecchio

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s Stories and places along the Via Francigena in Tuscany

The Francigener was inspired by travel diaries kept by pilgrims who have fol- lowed the Via Francigena over the centuries. The most ancient document- ed example dates back to the 10th century, written by Archbishop Sigerico as he returned from Rome to Canterbury. Another is the diary written two centuries later by the Benedictine Abbot Nikulás, who came to Rome from Iceland along the Via Francigena before continuing to the Holy Land. Still today, many travellers take notes of thoughts and impressions of the plac- es they discover along each leg, from hostels to eateries. The Francigener evokes the flexible, lightweight format of many travel diaries, highlighting and explaining the places, stories and traditions of each section of the Via Francigena. It is a free-press for pilgrims, tourists, local inhabitants and all “francigeners” who find themselves wandering this ancient route. viafrancigena.visittuscany.com

Comune di Comune di Comune di Comune di Comune di Seravezza Pietrasanta Camaiore Massarosa Altopascio

Città di Lucca Comune di Comune di Comune di Comune di Capannori Porcari Montecarlo Ponte Buggianese