The Francigena del Sud

The Via Francigena Del Sud (VFS) is an ancient pilgrimage route used by pilgrims travelling from Rome to the Holy Land as well as for those travelling from the south of Italy to Rome itself. While the Via Francigena was first documented by Sigeric in 990 AD, the VFS can trace its origins back to 333 AD when an anonymous pilgrim returning from Jerusalem to Bordeaux recorded their journey in the Itinerarium Burdingalese. In the centuries that followed, pilgrims, merchants and crusaders followed this route towards the ports on the Adriatic Sea.

In recent years, efforts have been made to produce a definitive route to reflect the historic paths along the Via Appia from Rome to Benevento and the Via Traiana from Benevento to Brindisi, while navigating more recent human activities. The project officially started in March 2014 with efforts by the regional administrations, central government and the European Institute of Cultural Routes at the Council of Europe. In October 2019, the European Vie Francigene Association approved the route and the Via Francigena Del Sud was born.

Departing from Rome, the main path of the Via Francigena Del Sud traverses four regions of Italy: Lazio, Campania, Basilicata, and Puglia. It crosses the southern Apennines and then heads south down the Adriatic coast, passing through the old ports of Bari and Brindisi before ending in Santa Maria di Leuca, a journey of about 1000Km. An additional path diverts at Troia to the north to extend the journey along the Adriatic coast, passing Mont Sant’Angelo before rejoining the main route at Bari. Along the way, the largely rural landscape is dominated by the cultivation of olives, grapes, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and wheat. Puglia is the largest producer of olive oil in Italy.

Some highlights of the Via Francigena Del Sud include:

• The Greek temples of Paestum, dating back to the 6^th century BC
• The Trulli Houses of Alberobello with their conical roofs, are a UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of Puglia.
• National Parks and the Adriatic coast

Medieval towns and exploring the region’s rich history and culture

Testimonium

The Testimonium in Brindisi is available at the Accademia degli Erranti, the Statio Peregrinorum of the Via Francigena, located in Via Giovanni Tarantini 35 at the Ex Convento delle Scuole Pie. You will receive the testimonium if you have traveled at least 100 km on foot or 200 km by bicycle.

To reserve your Testimonium, please contact the office by sending an email to: br.antichestrade@gmail.com or write a whatsapp message to the local contact person: +39 3881130368 (Antonio Melcore).

It is important make a booking at least a couple of days in advance to ensure someone will be on site to greet you. Statio Peregrinorum is open from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. (Book your arrival at least a couple of days in advance so you will be welcomed).

Testimonium from The Basilica-Santuario di S. Maria De Finibus Terrae: You can also reserve your Testimonium in Santa Maria di Leuca before arrival by sending an e-mail to testimonium@camminidileuca.it and attaching a photocopy of your ID or passport and a scan of your pilgrim credential which you will also need to present in the sacristy. Y

To receive the Testimonium your credential will need to demonstrate that you have walked at least 100 km (at least from Lecce) or cycled at least 200 km (at least from Bari).

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