The Via Francigena is one of the Medieval routes followed by those who, coming from England or France (hence the name Francigena), intended to reach Italy and Rome.

The first great roadway in history, the Via Francigena was an extremely important commercial, cultural and geographic junction for all the countries of Europe. 
The first to travel down this “Medieval highway” was Sigerico, bishop of Canterbury in 994. All along the road there stood hostels, hotels, abbeys, old hospitals and imposing castles (like that of Semifonte) which were historic residences and sources of provisions for pilgrims. In 1994 the Via Francigena was declared a “Cultural Itinerary of the Council of Europe”, confirming interest in this very valuable part of our historic patrimony. ".