Friday, September 21, 2012
Every year, the Northern Italian region of Tuscany attracts
thousands of tourists, with varying concepts of what constitutes an
interesting, satisfying or exciting holiday. Most are content to lead a
typically touristy lifestyle, staying in Tuscany villas, seeing the sites and tasting the food and
wine. For some, however, this lazy style of holidaymaking is not entirely
satisfactory; and for those, a trek down the Via Francigena – the pilgrim’s way
leading into Rome – may make for an interesting ‘alternative’ holiday.
The Via Francigena was founded by the earliest tribes
inhabiting the province – back before anyone had ever thought of capitalising
on the charms of Tuscany
villas – but rose to prominence after the Archbishop of
Canterbury used it as a pilgrimage route into Rome. Over time, this road – also
used by regular peasants and merchants – began to be bordered by religious
edifices and other landmarks, which make it well worth a visit today.
The best pace in which to travel the Via Francigena is obviously
leisurely, so as to take in all the sights the route has to offer. The entire
route breathes a very medieval atmosphere, with visitors following mule tracks
and passing by unspoilt woods and fortified villages entirely devoid of Tuscany
villas or any other signs of
the region’s modern-day tourist trade. For that very reason, it represents a
welcome escape for those not wishing to partake in this more “conventional”
style of holidaymaking, as well as for those seeking to commune with nature and
take in a few historical and cultural sites in the process.
Labels: Tuscany Villas
posted by To Tuscany @ 12:20 AM
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