Your trip starts from San Miniato, a jewel of the Via Francigena. The Seminary, (from which the main square takes its name), will surprise you with its façade: don’t miss it illuminated! Perhaps after having enjoyed a risotto powdered with the typical white truffle, a local gastronomic pride.

A demanding leg, but one with unique beautiful scenery, awaits you. From San Miniato you walk along an asphalted section of road, before passing through the glorious crests of the hills of the Val d’Elsa: along the road you can cross the threshold of the Pieve di Chianni, following in the footsteps of entire generations of pilgrims.  

This leg of the journey is short but rich in splendid natural scenery. Leading to San Gimignano – one of the most beautiful towns along the Via Francigena, you will get a taste of your arrival when you see the famous towers that make its skyline unmistakeable. Do not miss the view of the medieval town and its surrounding valleys from the top of the Torre Grossa, and if you have enough energy, venture up the steps of the Rocca di Montestaffoli, for an even more special view. During the evening you can take a quiet stroll to admire the illuminated town.

From San Gimignano you will continue, up and down, through the Tuscan hills. At one point of the journey (not yet well marked) you will come to Molino d’Aiano, one of the halting places along the ancient route of Sigerico. Today’s destination is Colle Val d’Elsa, a Tuscan village which will take you back in time, with its charming old town centre and narrow alleyways winding through the stone walls.

Prepare yourselves for one of the most beautiful sections of the Via Francigena: a meditative route, where you can admire the Pieve di Strove (from the outside) and stand in the quietness of the splendid Abbadia at Isola, another stage in the journey of the Archbishop Sigerico, where time stopped 1000 years ago as he passed through. Your breath will be taken away when you see the castle of Monteriggioni, with its crown of towers, built on a hill as a defence against the ancient republic of Siena. Within it, a small ancient world, with the beautiful square and small gardens – gather your breath, before climbing up onto the walls to admire the surrounding view.

From Monteriggioni you will start your walk again along the white roads of the Sienese countryside, passing though the old, uninhabited medieval village of Cerbaia. Experience the same feelings as the ancient pilgrims when you pass through porta Camollia, the traditional Francigena entrance to the town of Siena. For an unforgettable way to celebrate, order a plate of pici all’aglione in the illuminated Piazza del Campo. And don’t forget the panforte!

The Crests of the Val d’Arbia offer unforgettable views. After saying goodbye to Siena, resting on the hills on the horizon, you will travel along the typical dirt roads of Siena as far as the fortified village of Lucignano, with its fine Church. At the gates of Monteroni d’Arbia you will be able to admire the impressive Grancia di Cuna, a fortified farm which stored the wheat reserves destined for the republic of Siena.

From Lucignano you will continue your journey through the Valle dell’Ombrone to Buonconvento. Crossing the gate of the walls and entering the old town centre of the village, you will discover why its name means “happy fortunate place”. Walk through the picturesque streets, where life is lived quietly following the slow rhythms of a provincial village. Art lovers will be able to admire the works of some of the most famous Sienese painters in the Museum of Sacred Art of the Val d’Arbia.

Read about the Aostan section of the Via Francigena here.