St. Peter-in-Chains - Doncaster at Chequer Road, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN1 2AA UK - Via Francigena

THE VIA FRANCIGENA

The Via Francigena was the original pilgrim route taken by Cardinal Sigeric in the 10th Century as he travelled to see the Pope in Rome approximately once every 2 years. The route had fallen into some disrepair over the centuries but has recently undergone many improvements making it possible for pilgrims that are so inclined to walk from Canterbury to Rome, although it may take a lot of faith to walk over the channel, ask St Peter! The original route is not suitable for cyclists as many parts of it are cobbled stones. We will be making the journey keeping as close to the original route as possible but staying on the road network. 

 

Mostly small roads and tracks, with farm tracks and cross country walking along designated paths, linking as many of the towns and villages on Sigeric's route as possible. The Grand St. Bernard Pass is often snowbound between late September and mid June. We are planning to tackle this in August and so hope it will clear of snow at that time of year. The climb to the top of the St. Bernard Pass (at 2472m), is gradual and spread over 3 or 4 stages.

It is possible to walk the entire route in under 65 days working hard, we are planning to cycle it in 19 days including two rest days. Between 80 and 90 days allows easy walking and rest days.

Climate.

It can get very hot in France in July/August, and very hot in Tuscany in August. Over the Alps in August, we expect will be warm with cold nights It can also rain at any time!!

Luckily we have a linguist travelling with us in Fr Don, this has proved invaluable in booking accommodation ahead, however if you don't have a linguist in your group, do not let this put you off as many venues having English speaking staff.

The VF Association produces two 'Vademecums' covering the route (one from London via Canterbury to the Alps and the other the Alps to Rome). They outline the route (no maps) and provide details of cheap accommodation, including religious houses, youth hostels, hotels etc and much more info, these have been very useful in planning ahead. The VF Assn. also produce two Topofrancigenas, a series of maps showing the route from Canterbury to the Grand St. Bernard and from the Alps to Rome. TheVF Assn. now produce two Dormifrancigenas, which are a much  more comprehensive list of accommodation in England France and Switzerland and in Italy and Rome, and which are included free when you order the Vademecums and Topofrancigenas. There are other guides and maps to the route through Italy but they are in Italian.

Passports can only be issued to members of the Assn. VF.  Included are price reductions for the guides etc .the Passports, a Welcome Letter putting you in touch with Amis along the route, a welcome pack at the Tourist Office in St. Peter’s Square and the receipt of a ‘Testimonium’ at the Vatican. Again see VF web site for order form. If you have a pilgrim passport take it to the ‘Sacrestie’ in St. Peters and have it stamped. Then ask (preferably in the am.) to make an appointment to see Don Vercesi to obtain your Testimonium. His Tel. 06 69 88 14 96. If he is not available leave your name and address plus photocopy of your pilgrim passport and you should receive the Testimonium in 1-2 months.