Walking along the ancient route of Via Francigena della Sambuca

Known as Via Francesca or Via Francigena is an ancient route which once represented the main link connecting the three most important centres of Christianity; Jerusalem, Rome and Santiago de Compostela. Millions of pilgrims followed the route from one destination to the other, inspired under the fervent cult led by the figure of San Giacomo.

A stretch of the historic route, named Via Francigena della Sambuca (originally used to connect Tuscany and Pianura Padana), crosses the city of Pistoia which finally reaches Poretta Terme; thanks to recent restoration projects by various institutions and associations the area has been brought back to its ancient glory. Excursionists can not only delve into the ancient history linked to popular religion, but also enjoy a unique experience in contact with the lush greenery and nature of the area.

The ancient route departs from the cathedral of Pistoia, Sant’Andrea, where traces of the ancient cult are evident in a sculpture representation sculpted by brothers Gruamonte and Edeodato. The sculpture dates back to 1166 and depicts the journey made by the Three Wise Kings, the first Christian pilgrimage. The valued sculpture is presented as a metaphor of the treacherous walk along Via Francigena, which from Pistoia leads to the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.

Along this route, where traces of writings dating back to 1267 are present owing to a missive from rector of Hospitium Episcopi di Prato (nowadays known as Spedatello), five fortified structures were erected over the centuries designed to protect the passers-by. Other than Spedatello, the castle Castello di Santa Margherita, was erected in the eight century in the heights of Val d’Ombrone; today only the ruins of the tower remain. In San Pellegrino once stood the bridge house of Ponte Mazzano, the two remaining buildings were Castello della Sambuca and Rocca del Sambucone. The route allows for discovering the ancient ruins along steep mule-tracks (tarmac roads are limited) which unwinds along green woods and ancient villages.

Useful information
Itinerary: Via Francigena della Sambuca
To complete the route, it is advisable to follow two different legs of the journey.

First leg
Departure point: Valdibrana (Pistoia), 141m from sea level
Point of arrival: Passo della Collina (Pistoia), 932m from sea level
Journey time: 3hrs 15 min (8.7km)

Second leg 
Departure point: Passo della Collina (Pistoia), 932m from sea level
Point of arrival: Ponte alla Venturina (Granaglione - BO), 400m from sea level
Journey time: 6hrs 10mins (18.3km) How to get there Blubus Copit line 24 runs to Valdibrana. Blubus Copit line 56 runs to Passo della Collina.