Tuscany is crisscrossed by an interweaving of ancient historical and religious itineraries, a heritage of inestimable value that invites you to set out among nature, history and spirituality. The Via Francigena Toscana, with its varying landscape, follows the path walked by Bishop Sigeric, passing through villages and towns, offering an experience that combines culture and going slow. The Romea Strata traces the routes of pilgrims hailing from Central and Eastern Europe, passing places such as Pistoia, Vinci and Fucecchio. The Via Romea Germanica, rather, connects Casentino and Valdichiana with Arezzo and Cortona, following the medieval trail to Rome.
The network that comprises the Via di Francesco (Way of Saint Francis) leads to the most significant places associated with Italy’s patron saint, including the Verna Sanctuary and Le Celle Hermitage, through Casentino and Valdichiana Aretina. The Via Lauretana connects Siena to Cortona, tracing an ancient route to Loreto. Then there is the Via Sanese running through Chianti and touching on charming villages such as San Casciano and Castellina in Chianti, following the routes of travelers heading to the Eternal City.
The Via Matildica del Volto Santo starts out from Mantua and runs through Garfagnana and the Media Valle del Serchio (Mid Serchio Valley) to Lucca, a spiritual destination for the faithful of the Volto Santo (Holy Face). The destination is the same for the similarly-named Via del Volto Santo which, however, set outs from Pontremoli, Lunigiana. The Via Medicea, on the other hand, traverses the beautiful hills of Montalbano linking Prato to Fucecchio, weaving nature and Renaissance history into a path that celebrates the link with the most powerful family of all time, the Medici. Finally, the Cammino di San Jacopo joins Florence and Livorno via Pistoia, where a relic of the Apostle James is preserved, making the city a landmark for pilgrims.
These historic paths, which wind through unspoiled nature, artistic treasures and places of worship, offer the opportunity to rediscover a deep connection with Tuscany and with yourself, turning each stretch of road into an unforgettable journey.
