{"id":16974,"date":"2023-08-21T08:48:43","date_gmt":"2023-08-21T08:48:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shoestechnologies.exum.eu\/?p=16974"},"modified":"2024-03-06T11:22:52","modified_gmt":"2024-03-06T11:22:52","slug":"walking-the-via-francigena","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shoestechnologies.exum.eu\/?p=16974","title":{"rendered":"Walking the Via Francigena, Discovering Slow Tourism"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Against the fast-paced frenzy of recent decades, the magic of a vacation tailored for comfort and with a slow pace is being rediscovered. It allows us to relax and admire the stunning landscapes surrounding us<\/strong>. This philosophy brings a new perspective to the concept of travel, focusing on details, the environment, and those hidden places that often go unnoticed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While many choose vacation spots with luxurious resorts or crystal-clear beaches, there are those who prefer to rediscover routes exploring the European territory, and examples of this are the Camino de Santiago<\/strong> and the Via Francigena<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Francigena
From Cossonay to the banks of L\u00e9man, following the course of the Venoge. Here the Via Francigena crosses the path of Santiago de Compostela.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Rediscovering oneself while moving on foot along ancient paths traced by our predecessors is not a new trend, but in recent years, “Slow Tourism”<\/strong> has developed. It goes beyond simple hiking or trekking \u2013 activities that demand a certain level of speed and adrenaline \u2013 and becomes a true journey where walking takes on a spiritual and cathartic meaning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nature no longer just welcomes us into its environments; it is we who receive it throughout the entire journey leading us to the chosen destination. Sometimes, these journeys are also referred to as pilgrimages.<\/p>\n\n\n

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From Susa to the Sacra di San Michele. A symbolic monument of Piedmont, it is one of Europe’s most important Romanesque architectures and a centuries-old destination of international pilgrimage<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Discovering the Ancient Via Francigena<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Via Francigena, or Vie Francigene, is an ancient route that connects the Italian peninsula to Northwestern Europe. It derives its name from <\/strong>the territories dominated by the Franks (current France and Germany) during Roman times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Francigena
Signposts to Rome along the Via Francigena in Lazio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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As the italian saying goes, “all roads lead to Rome,”<\/strong> and indeed, an efficient transportation system was crucial in managing the territories of the Roman Empire, with the Via Francigena playing a key role.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The official itinerary is based on a historical document dated around 990 AD<\/strong>, written by Sigeric, the then Archbishop of Canterbury. The starting point of this pilgrimage is the namesake cathedral in England. Spanning 2200 kilometers<\/strong>, the route crosses several countries,<\/strong> including England, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Vatican City, offering diverse landscapes with varying climates and terrains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a pleasant and enjoyable journey along the Via Francigena, it is recommended to embark on the adventure during late spring, from May to June<\/strong>. During this period, the weather is generally favorable, enhancing the experience for pilgrims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to approach this kind of journey?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nLao Tzu<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Every journey provides an opportunity to rediscover the essence of travel. It is no longer about how much or what we carry with us, but about choosing what to leave behind, prioritizing only the essentials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each itinerary has its own unique requirements<\/strong>, <\/strong>but two of the first things to consider are your backpack <\/strong>and shoes<\/strong>. These adventure companions will carry with you not only the necessary equipment and clothing, but also the dreams and expectations of the entire vacation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n