Via Francigena is a historic pilgrimage route from Canterbury to France, Switzerland and Italy to the Holy city of Rome.

În medieval times Via Francigena was connecting Abbeys and Monasteries on the way to Rome.

Via Francigena is a scenic route that will take you through the picturesque hills of Tuscany. On the road you can admire amazing medieval towns very well preserved.

The famous places along the Via Francigena include such medieval cities as Lucca, San Gimignano, Siena, Pienza, San Miniato, and more.

On Via Francigena you can visit churches, monasteries, and other historical sites such as Acquapendente, Bolsena, Monte Fiascone and Viterbo. Other attractions include beautiful Italian countryside, vineyards, thermal baths, and charming little villages.

You can start your journey in Lucca and admire the 16th century Renaissance walls that surround the historic centre. The walls offer spectacular panoramic views over the city. Lucca is the city of Giacomo Puccini and the city of 100 churches. I recommend you to visit Giacomo Puccini museum in the house where he was born in the city centre.

In Lucca I recommend you to visit the church San Michele in Foro in the photo below.

As you make your way through Via Francigena you will be surprised by the medieval towers of San Gimignano. This picturesque hill-town is home to ancient walls, fortified towers, and the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta. In San Gimignano, the noble families built 72 skyscrapers between 11th and 13th century. The skyscrapers were a symbol of their wealth and power. Many of the skyscrapers resisted till today and you can admire them from far away.

Via Francigena – the authentic way to know Tuscany

Siena is a beautiful medieval town boasting important historical attractions. Here you can admire the Palazzo Pubblico, Torre del Mangia, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. In the beautiful Piazza of the Palazzo Pubblico you can attend the famous Palio (horses race) every year . The Palio is the event of each year in July and August that brings together many tourists and local people.

Pienza is a charming medieval town that offers visitors breathtaking views over Val d’Orcia. You can admire the view from its terraces and little streets high up on the hill.

In Pienza you can admire many attractions such as the Rocca, the Cathedral and the Palazzo Comunale.

Every street in Pienza will allure you with its little shops with typical food and vine and will surprise you with its medieval piazzas and churches.

Pienza has beautiful cosy restaurants where you can enjoy delicious pasta made from ancient recipes, pizza, Chianina steak (beef steak) accompanied by wonderful red wines of Val d’Orcia.

San Miniato is situated on a hill top and is famous for its stunning views and attractions. You can admire the St. Miniato al Monte Monastery and Palazzo Pretorio. This little town has a strategic view over the valley and is famous for leather working and truffle hunting. The dominant structure of the town is the Rocca, built between 1217 – 1223 to control the traffic in the area.

Bolsena town it is the enchanting medieval town on the shore of the amazing volcanic lake Bolsena. Right here, on the lake shore, Bolsena allures you with the beautiful green promenade that displays restaurants, cafes and Ice cream Kiosks. Elegant hotels will attract you to discover them and relax in their lavishing rooms.

Bolsena is the town of the Eucharistic Miracle

The walled city of Acquapendente offers plenty to explore such as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Bondeno, the Ugarsoni Palace, and Porta Romana.