OUR EXPERIENCES

The Via Francigena is a historic pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome, offering spiritual, cultural, and scenic walking experiences. Ths trip is covering the last segments from Lucca to Rome, with a visit to Assisi.

The Via Francigena is an ancient pilgrimage route stretching over 2,000 km from Canterbury, England, to Rome, Italy. Dating back to the 10th century, it was first recorded by Sigeric, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who documented his return journey from Rome. The route passes through England, France, Switzerland, and Italy, crossing varied landscapes—rolling countryside, the Alps, and the Apennines—before arriving at the Vatican.

Historically, the Via Francigena was a major artery for pilgrims, merchants, and soldiers traveling to the heart of Christendom. Today, it is walked for spiritual, cultural, and recreational reasons, offering a rich blend of medieval towns, Roman roads, vineyards, churches, and monasteries.

Unlike the Camino de Santiago, the Via Francigena is less crowded and more rustic, with sections still developing in terms of infrastructure. Pilgrims can walk or cycle the route, collecting stamps in a credential (pilgrim passport) and often staying in hostels, monasteries, or guesthouses.

The Selah journey starts in Lucca and ends in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. More than a physical challenge, the Via Francigena offers a profound journey through history, faith, and breathtaking landscapes.