Via Francigena in Camaiore: A Journey Through History and Nature

The Via Francigena, a historic and culturally significant pilgrimage route that connected Canterbury to Rome during the High Middle Ages, winds through several Italian regions, showcasing breathtaking landscapes and medieval villages. The Tuscan section passes through Camaiore, following a path that leads to Lucca, renowned for its remarkable variety of scenery.

FrancigenAmica

On Sunday, September 22, many will retrace the steps of ancient pilgrims along the Camaiore section of this historic pilgrimage route. The event "FrancigenAmica," now in its ninth edition, returns to promote the Camaiore stretch of the Via Francigena and the trails of Camaiore Antiqua, offering a day filled with nature, outdoor activities, and fun.

The circular route starts and finishes at Piazza XXIX Maggio in Camaiore and offers several rest stops along the way. Participants can choose from three different routes based on their fitness level: short (5 km), medium (12 km from Camaiore to Metato, Montebello, and back to Camaiore), and long (20 km from Camaiore to Casoli, Candalla, Montebello, Metato, and back to Camaiore).

A Historical Itinerary

The Camaiore section of the Via Francigena is mentioned in the journey of Sigeric, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who documented it as the 27th stop in 990 AD, referring to the town as "Campmaior."

The first segment of the Via Francigena in Camaiore begins near Valdicastello, weaving through picturesque villages and passing ancient castles and historic villas, such as Villa Le Pianore. Here, the route follows a cobblestone path known since the 17th century as the “Roman road,” leading straight to the heart of Camaiore.

After passing through the medieval town center and its Church of San Michele, the path reaches the Benedictine Abbey of Camaiore, an 8th-century monastery, before continuing towards Montemagno and Nocchi, two charming villages in the area. From there, the journey continues all the way to Lucca.

A Unique Experience

The section of the Via Francigena that passes through Camaiore offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and culture. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, travelers can relive the past, immersed in medieval heritage and untouched beauty, making Camaiore an essential stop for anyone looking to explore the most authentic side of Tuscany.