Following the Via Francigena between small towns, woodland and strade bianche (unpaved roads)
The Via Francigena is a very old pilgrimage route that you can follow as you most like coming across wonderful panoramas and characteristic small towns!
OUTDOOR / STORY / SLOW TRAVEL
The Tuscan countryside is crossed by romantic unpaved roads and ancient communication ways, ideal for long or short walks in the open air. By walking along the famous Via Francigena in Valdelsa you will be able to see the rolling hills, the long rows of vineyards, and old olive trees, enjoying an exceptional panorama.
This centuries-old road has connected the two cities of Canterbury and Rome since the Middle Ages: it was originally crossed especially by people on religious pilgrimage; today it is walked by excursionists, trekkers and keen walkers.
“On the footprint of pilgrims
along one of the oldest roads in the world”
Stage 32 is one of the most beautiful in Tuscany and, with 30.9 km, it connects the small town of San Gimignano to Monteriggioni. The last section of the route is very easy and impressive, suitable also for children: from the tiny centre of Abbadia a Isola, a real jewel hidden in the countryside, you can reach Monteriggioni in a few kilometres, crossing the fields first and then a simple footpath through the woods, until you have a glimpse of the renowned “crown” of medieval towers. A fine view that will leave you speechless!
Alternatively, you can walk along the official variant of Stage 32 that runs through Colle Val d’Elsa, choosing to cross the city centre to the Duomo (where the relic of the Holy Nail is kept) or to walk along the river Elsa and visit the beautiful river park, a nature reserve perfect for a beautiful easy and adventurous trek.
The Via Francigena in Valdelsa also crosses the territories of the Montagnola Senese, a mainly wooded area, characterised by medium-low hills where vegetation lavishly grows. Here the route becomes more complex and is distinguished by the presence of higher gradients, weaving through a wide network of footpaths marked by the CAI (Italian Alpine Club).
Another way to fully experience Tuscan nature and the Via Francigena is by bike! The routes indicated on the road signs also include the cycle paths: the B16 section, which connects San Gimignano to Siena (along a total of 49.1 km) goes through the city of Poggibonsi before continuing to Colle Val d’Elsa and Monteriggioni, crossing also the Montagnola.
Either by foot or by bike, the Via Francigena can easily be travelled on with maximum freedom also for very short sections, with short “return” walks that allow you to enjoy the open air without getting too tired.
However, if you want to try and venture into one or more stages of the Via Francigena, you can easily organise the journey thanks to the extended system of accommodation that distinguishes this ancient road: you will find hostels and other facilities with special low rates, that offer a resting place to modern pilgrims and keen walkers, from where you can start to explore wine and food traditions.
Would you like to learn more?
Associazione Europea delle Vie Francigene
Tappa 32 Da San Gimignano a Poggibonsi – Mappa e Tracce GPS
Tappa 32 Variante per Colle Val d’Elsa – Mappa e Tracce GPS
Percorso ciclabile B16 da San Gimignano a Siena
Mappa dei sentieri CAI sulla Montagnola Senese
Via Francigena – Regione Toscana
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