The Via Francigena, a legendary pilgrimage route connecting Canterbury to Rome, winds its way through the very soul of Tuscany. Spanning nearly 400 kilometers and divided into 16 scenic stages, the Tuscan portion of this ancient trail invites travelers into a landscape rich with history, faith, and sensory delight. From the rugged hills of the Lunigiana to the soft, rolling curves of the Val d’Orcia, the route unveils a Tuscany many never see—one experienced on foot, slowly, through hilltop villages, dense woods, and sun-drenched vineyards.
The Legacy of Pilgrimage and Trade
Long before tourism, the Via Francigena was the lifeline of European pilgrims making their way to Rome. Documented as early as 990 AD by Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury, who meticulously recorded the 79 stops on his return journey, this road was a conduit not just for faith but also commerce and cultural exchange. In Tuscany, it became a link between the North Sea and the Mediterranean, passing through trading posts, monasteries, and fortified towns.
Today, the Francigena remains a powerful symbol of slow, intentional travel. For modern pilgrims—religious or otherwise—it offers not only reflection and adventure but also deep immersion in the culture and flavors of the region.
From Pontremoli to Lucca: Northern Tuscany Revealed
Your Tuscan journey begins just past the Cisa Pass in the Lunigiana, one of the least-touched areas of the region. The first major stop is Pontremoli, a town steeped in medieval charm. Known for its bridges, baroque churches, and the evocative San Pietro church with its carved “labirinto,” Pontremoli is a place where the journey inward begins.
But there is more here than history. The forests surrounding Pontremoli are rich with truffles, and local guides offer seasonal foraging experiences. Imagine walking through fragrant woods with an expert and trained dog, unearthing white and black truffles that have perfumed these lands for centuries. The experience typically ends with a tasting—fresh pasta drizzled with truffle shavings, paired with local wines from the Colli di Luni area.
Continue south to Filattiera, Villafranca, and Aulla, passing castles and abbeys founded before the year 1000. The terrain is rugged but scenic, with views stretching to the Ligurian Sea. Stop at Sarzana for a touch of Riviera flair and then press onward through the marble-rich landscapes of Carrara to Massa and Montignoso. A visit to the Castello Aghinolfi provides panoramic vistas, while Pietrasanta surprises with its artistic heritage—a favorite haunt of sculptors.
The Heart of Tuscany: Lucca to Siena
From Camaiore and through Monte Magno, the trail leads you to Lucca, one of Tuscany’s crown jewels. Enclosed by intact Renaissance walls, Lucca offers the weary walker cafes, churches, and a chance to reflect in front of the revered Volto Santo in the Cathedral of San Martino.
Leaving Lucca, the path weaves through Capannori and Altopascio—a town historically known for its hospice managed by the Knights of the Tau. From here, pilgrims may choose the Variante d’acqua, a unique stretch across the wetlands of the Padule di Fucecchio. It’s a haven for birdwatchers, often explored by traditional barchini boats.
Back on the main route, the trail ascends gently toward San Miniato, a town synonymous with white truffles. Truffle festivals, cooking classes, and gourmet meals await, offering another opportunity to connect culinary traditions with the road beneath your feet.
From San Miniato, the hills of Val d’Elsa open up, guiding you through Gambassi Terme, past Romanesque churches like Santa Maria a Chianni, and into the medieval towers of San Gimignano. Here, local Vernaccia wines complement every meal, and the views from Torre Grossa remind you of why Tuscany captivates so many.
Next is Colle Val d’Elsa and the fortified hamlet of Abbadia a Isola, before arriving at Monteriggioni. This perfectly preserved walled village, perched like a crown on a hill, is a living time capsule.
Siena to Radicofani: The Spiritual South
Leaving Monteriggioni, the route follows white roads toward Siena, one of Italy’s most majestic cities. Piazza del Campo, the striped Duomo, and the Santa Maria della Scala complex (once a pilgrim hospital, now a museum) are all must-visits.
From Siena, the Francigena descends into the Crete Senesi, a moonlike landscape dotted with farmsteads and ancient granaries like the Grancia di Cuna. The road continues to Buonconvento and then rises toward Montalcino, where a glass of Brunello might tempt even the most focused pilgrim.
Follow the path through Torrenieri and into San Quirico d’Orcia, a UNESCO-listed treasure. Bagno Vignoni’s thermal baths provide a welcome rest for tired feet, and the climb toward Radicofani rewards you with views of the Orcia valley and the iconic Rocca di Radicofani fortress.
An alternative path here detours to Abbadia San Salvatore, nestled in the Mount Amiata region, where monastic silence reigns.
Beyond Borders: Into Lazio
The final Tuscan stage descends from Radicofani along ridgelines with vast views until it reaches Ponte a Rigo, crossing into Lazio. The change in landscape is palpable, but the Tuscan spirit lingers.
Why Walk the Francigena in Tuscany?
The Via Francigena is not just a route—it’s an awakening. The slow pace of walking offers a unique entry into Tuscany’s true identity: one rooted in tradition, flavor, and timeless beauty. Truffle hunts in Pontremoli, wine tastings in San Gimignano and Montalcino, hot springs in Bagno Vignoni, and abbeys echoing with Gregorian chants all enrich the journey.
Whether you walk a single stage or the entire 400 kilometers, the Via Francigena in Tuscany promises more than a destination. It offers transformation—one step, one story, one shared meal at a time.
Ready to begin your journey? Discover our curated Via Francigena experiences with culinary highlights, local guides, and comfortable accommodations.
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