With the arrival of Jubilee 2025, the Via Francigena, one of the most important routes for religious and cultural pilgrimage, is preparing to welcome thousands of tourists from all corners of the world. A journey that combines history, spirituality and nature, and that stretches from Britain to Rome, culminating in the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica.
According to the European Association of the V Franchise, to make the experience safer, more accessible and welcoming, they More than 22 million euros allocatedwhich will be used for a series of interventions on infrastructure, development and digitalisation.
Funds for the infrastructure and protection of the Via Francigena ahead of the 2025 Jubilee
A good portion of the funds allocated in view of the 2025 Jubilee were earmarked for major infrastructure work on the Italian section of the Via Francigena. In detail, as reported by the European Association of V Française, the Ministry of Culture has invested. Big money Per:
- road improvements;
- safety measures and signs;
- installation of rest areas;
- Creation of information points
In detail, the amount was distributed as follows:
- Only in northern ItalyInterventions relate to a variety of areas, includingi Valle d’Aosta, Piedmont, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Liguria, Tuscany and Lazio, With an investment of 11.350.899 euros;
- In southern ItalyAs a region Lazio, Campania and Puglia With funds, significant involvement 2.808.032 EurosContributing to a national project stretching from Canterbury to Santa Maria de Leuca.
Additionally, specific interventions have been planned for the three-year period 2024-2026, funded by the Ministry of Tourism. with 2,914,879 euros Planned for up to ten interventions From Valle d’Aosta to Paglia, All aim to make travel more accessible and safer, to ensure smooth and barrier-free movement for pilgrims.
International promotion, the Via Francigena makes itself known.
Apart from the infrastructure part, A lot of attention is paid to promotion. The international route of the Via Francigena, an itinerary that attracts not only tourists but also tourists interested in culture and landscape. The Ministry of Tourism has allocated almost 2 million euros for animation and digitization activities, such as presence at international fairs, communication campaigns, and “blogger tours” in collaboration with the Italian regions and the European Association of Routes Franchise (EAVF). creation .
A fundamental aspect of this development is technological innovation: Ministry One Better communication planIncluding geolocation and advanced indicators. A symbolic example of this process is the “intelligent signage” systems that will be installed in some pilot municipalities along the route. The signage will not only help attract visitors but also provide information about points of interest, landscape features and local activities, creating a direct link between the route and the surrounding area. Will be. 3,857,985.76 Euros has been funded for the installation of 37 smart signage devices, and Creation of a dedicated app which will meet the needs of pedestrians.
Contribution of the Municipality of Rome
The last part of the Via Francigena, which ends in Rome, is destined to face renewed attention thanks to the support of the Municipality of Rome, which has allocated the money. Total 1,442,691 Eurosdistributed as follows:
- 1.142,691 euros for security measuresCare and signs;
- plus 300,000 euros for promotional activities.
The aim is to prepare the capital to welcome pilgrims, many of whom will arrive for the 2025 Jubilee.
Rome, which has always been a destination for spiritual pilgrimages, is preparing to confront About 100,000 pilgrims arrivewho will arrive on foot or by bicycle. The capital city represents the culmination of a journey that spans centuries of history and culture, and so it is important to take care of the small details in the itinerary, so that every walker can experience all its beauty and spirituality. Enjoy this experience.
Jubilee 2025 goal
The Via Francigena, already traveled by 50,000 visitors from more than 50 countries in 2023, is preparing for a welcome. The number of pedestrians will double in 2025.. Its goal is to reach 100,000 pilgrims, which is why infrastructure improvements and international promotion are essential elements to achieve this ambitious goal, ensuring that the Via Francigena is not only spiritual, but also cultural and A tourist route should also be made. .
The investment of more than 22 million euros represents a fundamental step towards a safer, more welcoming and easily accessible route. The resources allocated and the initiatives undertaken by the various institutions involved have placed the Via Francigena at the center of the cultural and tourist value project withJubilee 2025 aims to strengthen its importance. Not only as a religious travelogue but also as a symbol of European and global unity.
