Via Francigena, a journey through Sicilian history

Would you like to discover Sicily on foot, slowly and intensely? The Via Francigena is a fascinating route, ideal for immersing yourself in the landscapes and history of Sicily. Depending on the time available, you can choose to cover only some of the 22 stages or cover the entire route. We can support you with logistics, transport and accommodation reservations. The Via Francigena, or "path of the Franks", is an ancient road network that has had different uses. Used by the knights of Normandy to drive out the Muslims and Christianise Sicily. The Vie Francigene were traveled by pilgrims on their way to Rome, often coming from France. These were the routes of the Crusader knights to the ports of embarkation to go to the Holy Land. The route begins in Palermo, near the Church of Santa Cristina la Vetere, along the Pilgrim's Way. It then heads towards Messina, through a route that can be divided into 22 stages.

The Via Francigena crosses the Sicilian Apennines

It begins on the Madonie, in the province of Palermo, following the Nebrodi, which extend from west to east of the island, up to the Peloritani, between the Strait of Messina and Etna. It is an itinerary between sea and mountains, crossing villages, fields, mountains and castles. From the beauties of the capital of Arab-Norman culture to the beaches of Aspra. From the most beautiful villages in Italy, Gangi and Montalbano, to the Norman castles perched between the Madonie mountains of Caccamo, Polizzi and Petralia. From the villages of the Nebrodi forests, such as Floresta and Cesarò, to the first capital of the Gran Conte Ruggero, Troina. The Valeria road existed to connect Marsala, Palermo and Messina in Roman times. The consular road Valeria is mentioned by the Greek geographer Strabo in his "Geography" (book VI). Construction probably began in the years following the end of the Second Punic War. It connected Lilybea (Marsala) to Messina via Palermo, over 240 Roman miles. The road was called Valeria in honor of the consul Marco Valerio Levino, who in 210 BC was appointed governor of Sicily. From the dominion of Rome to that of Byzantium, the coastal route retains its importance. Until the Norman knights, who called it "Strada Regia" or more precisely Via Francigena. Due to the attacks of the Saracens, this Valeria road along the coast will become less and less safe. The mountain variant will then be used, crossing the Madonie, the Nebrodi and the Peloritani. The Via Francigena dei Monti still connects the inhabited centers and castles of the Sicilian Tyrrhenian coast. Write to us to find out more, we will be happy to help you organize your trip to Sicily.