The thermal baths in Colle di Val d’Elsa with lukewarm water sources, whose therapeutic properties have been known since the Etruscan and Roman times.

Hike to Monteriggioni

This stretch of the famous pilgrimage path will take you past some beautiful Tuscan sights.

Walking at your own pace on gentle rolling hills famous for their beauty, you head to Monteriggioni. Don’t miss to visit the castle, almost untouched by time! – © Yari Ghidone / Slow travel Fest

Walking part of the route of the Via Francigena from San Gimignano to Monteriggioni. – © Yari Ghidone / Slow travel Fest

For non-religious people, the Via Francigena represents the search for spirituality in open air adventures and personal physical challenges. – © Yari Ghidone / Slow Travel Fest

Walking at your own pace on gentle rolling hills famous for their beauty, you head to Monteriggioni. Don’t miss to visit the castle, almost untouched by time! – © Yari Ghidone / Slow travel Fest

One of the most stunning stretches of the Via Francigena pilgrimage route is the one from San Gimignano to Monteriggioni.

Begin the walk from San Gimignano through the Porta San Giovanni gate and head towards the Benedictine abbey of Monte Oliveto Minore. You'll then Montauto Castle and Torraccia di Chiusi, then descend to Molino d'Aiano.

Walk through the villages of Quartaia and Fabbrica, and you'll come to pools which date back to the Etruscan-Roman period. The road heads towards the fortified village of Strove and towards Petraia Castle.

Pilgrims on their way along the Via Francigena. - © Tiziano Pieroni / Be Tuscan for a Day

Walking along an ancient wall, you reach Abbadia Isola, located on the edge of an extensive plain below the wooded slopes of Mount Maggio. The place where the monastery stands was chosen mainly for its strategic position for controlling the pilgrimage path.

Each September, Abbadia Isola hosts the Slow Travel Fest, which is a festival dedicated to walking and cycling. – © Yari Ghidone/Slow travel Fest

From here, the Via Francigena continues toward Monteriggioni. The medieval castle stands on top of a low hill whose slopes are dotted with olive trees and vines.

Download the GPS Tracks from viefrancigene.org ->

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