Via Francigena is one of the classic pilgrimage routes leading to Saint Peter’s tomb and recently it has undergone a major relaunch worthy of its historical and cultural importance over centuries.
It became a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe in 2004. Today’s route largely takes up the one passed down from Sigerico at the end of the 10th century. Of the almost 2,000 km between Canterbury and Rome half of the route crosses Italy, where it is divided into 44 stops. The Tuscan stretch is one of the most striking for the beauty in its cities, villages, and landscapes. The stretch ends in San Casciano dei Bagni, and most precisely in the small village of Ponte a Rigo before entering Lazio.
After crossing the steep paths rising to Radicofani, the stunning view of the small and green river Paglia valley opens up to the pilgrims. Whether you are about to embark on the route to Rome or you want to experience a short stretch of this ancient path, Ponte a Rigo will welcome you with the typical warmth of Tuscan villages. Here you can find a small hostel run by the locals, a refreshment area and the church of Santa Elisabetta.
Once here you can also take a detour and go to Celle sul Rigo or San Casciano dei Bagni and be sure you would not be the first ones to do so! Those who have spoken about their journey along the Francigena have spread the fame of our waters. In 1581 in his “Journal de Voyage en Italie par la Suisse et l’Allemagne” Michel Eyquem Montaigne says, “You do not drink of this water [in Bagno Vignoni] but you can drink the one in San Cassiano”.
www.visittuscany.com/it/idee/la-via-francigena-in-toscana-15-tappe-tra-storia-e-natura/
Reception of St. Elizabeth Church
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