Via Francigena
Pilgrim roads from France to Rome
Highest point: Gt St Bernard 2472m
Via Francigena was the name given to the roads from France into Italy, much used by medieval pilgrims to Rome. The main route from the Po valley via the Cisa pass and Siena to Rome is fed by three main branches: the Via Poenina and the Gt St Bernard, the Via Domitia at Montgenevre and the Via Aurelia at Menton/Ventimiglia. The GSB route was detailed in the 10th century by an archbishop of Canterbury, hence the name is also (incorrectly) applied to his continuation on to the English Channel via Lausanne, Besançon and Reims.
Detailed mapping and description of route from the GSB to Rome on Associazione Europea delle Vie Francigene site. For additional guides and maps, see Association Via Francigena and the guide published by Terre di Mezzo.