Walking the Via Francigena Part 4 – Cicerone

Walking the Via Francigena Part 4 – Cicerone Italy/Italie

Rome to Monte Sant’Angelo, Bari, Brindisi and Santa Maria di Leuca.

Guidebook to the final 940km of the Via Francigena pilgrimage route, from Rome to the heel of Italy. The route passes through Lazio and into Campania before traversing Puglia, where it concludes at Santa Maria di Leuca. Described in 52 stages, including alternative routes, with information on facilities and pilgrim hostels.

Journey from the Eternal City to Italy’s sun-drenched southern tip on the final stage of the legendary Via Francigena, where timeless towns, ancient pilgrimage roads, and sweeping coastlines lead you from Rome to Santa Maria di Leuca. Discover the heart of southern Italy as you traverse volcanic lakes, forested ridges, and olive-clad hills, following in the footsteps of pilgrims.

Ideal for long-distance walkers and those seeking a classic pilgrimage adventure, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook presents the fourth stage of the Via Francigena, described in 52 day-long stages and covering 940km (584 miles) from Rome through Lazio, Campania, and Puglia to the sanctuary at Santa Maria di Leuca. Two major alternatives, the spectacular Monte Sant’Angelo variant and the scenic Via Litoranea coastal route, allow you to tailor your journey to your ambitions and schedule.

• Includes advice for walking the route in sections, making this section of the Via Francigena accessible whether you have several weeks or just a few days to spare.
• Stages are clearly described with distance, ascent/descent, estimated walking times, and difficulty ratings, allowing you to plan your ideal journey on the final section of the Via Francigena, whether you prefer a gentle pace or a more challenging itinerary.
• Explore southern Italy’s rich heritage, from the historic cities of Bari, Brindisi, and Lecce to picturesque villages such as Troia, Otranto, and Monopoli, and enjoy the warm hospitality of local inns and pilgrim lodgings.
• Each stage features 1:100,000 mapping and elevation profiles, with free downloadable GPX tracks for confident navigation throughout your Via Francigena pilgrimage.
• Accommodation, refreshment, and facility listings are provided for every stage of this final section of the Via Francigena, alongside practical advice on public transport, packing, pilgrimage credentials, and baggage transport.
• The Via Francigena in the South is best enjoyed from spring through autumn, when the countryside and coast are at their most beautiful, and the weather is ideal for walking.
• Parts 1, 2, and 3 of the Via Francigena, covering the journey from Canterbury to Rome, are available as companion Cicerone guidebooks, enabling you to complete the full pilgrimage across Europe.

Plan your southern Italian pilgrimage with the definitive Cicerone guidebook to the Via Francigena – Part 4, and complete your journey from Rome to the windswept sanctuary at Santa Maria di Leuca, discovering a route that blends spiritual tradition, Italian hospitality, and the ever-changing beauty of the peninsula’s southern landscapes.

Via Francigena Part 4 – Rome to Santa Maria di Leuca: Quick Facts

Location: Southern Italy, from Rome to Santa Maria di Leuca
Number of stages: 52 stages (including Monte Sant’Angelo and Via Litoranea variants)
Distance: 940km (584 miles)
Duration: 6–8 weeks; 52 daily stages 9–30km (6–19 miles)
Areas covered: Rome, Sermoneta, Nemi, Benevento, Troia, Monte Sant’Angelo (variant), Bari, Brindisi, Lecce, Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca
Route type: Pilgrimage path, ancient Roman roads, coastal and inland routes, historic towns and villages
Difficulty: Generally moderate; some challenging stages; suitable for most walkers with preparation
Terrain: Volcanic lakes, forested mountains, olive groves, coastal paths, grain fields, and picturesque southern Italian towns
Navigation: 1:100,000 mapping, elevation profiles, detailed route descriptions, free downloadable GPX tracks
Best season: Spring and autumn (April–June, September–October; mild weather and best conditions)
Highlights: Ancient pilgrimage roads, UNESCO World Heritage sites (Monte Sant’Angelo), Adriatic and Ionian coastlines, historic cities, quiet rural landscapes, warm local hospitality
Equipment: Sturdy walking shoes/boots, sun and rain protection, layered clothing, daypack, basic pilgrimage gear
Accommodation: Pilgrim hostels, B&Bs, small hotels, and guesthouses throughout the route

Details:

• Date: 09/2025
• Pages: 312
• Dimensions: 11.43 x 1.78 x 17.15 cm
• ISBN: 9781786312495