If you are planning a trip to Italy, consider experiencing one of the fascinating pilgrimage trails. Many of the walks end in Rome and the Vatican City, with some culminating in St Peters Square. You can choose to embark on your pilgrimage by foot, on a bike or even by horseback. You can get a credential and collect stamps along the way from different accommodations and villages which can then be used to receive certificate. This makes a lovely keepsake and reminder of the journey you’ve made. Perhaps, you are an avid pilgrim already and are wanting to plan your next adventure and add some stamps to your pilgrim’s passport. In the following guide we will explore some of the most loved pilgrimage routes in Italy. So, lace up those boots and let’s get going.

Discover the best pilgrimage routes in Italy

Join us, choose on a journey of discovery with a list of the most interesting and fulfilling pilgrimage routes in Italy. Walk along ancient spiritual routes, from the famous Via Francigena to following in St. Valentines footsteps, and experience reflection and adventure in every step. There are many reasons why people begins to walk a pilgrim’s route, and whatever yours is, we are sure you will find what you’re looking for in the following list.

Via Francigena: ‘the road that comes from France’

Starting in Canterbury, England, the via Francigena route in Italy, runs through France, Switzerland, to Rome and then finally reaching Apulia where boats would embark to the Holy Land. This pilgrimage road has, for centuries, been travelled by pilgrims on their way to the Holy City. Walk or cycle through stunning regions, stopping at famous cites such as Viterbo and Sutri before reaching Rome. The wonderful thing is you can do as much or as little as you like and still soak in the centuries of atmosphere and tradition.

Saint Benedict's Way: follow in a saint’s footsteps

A 300km trail through central Italy, starting in Norcia in Umbria and ending in Montecassino in Lazio. Rather than a centuries old Italian pilgrimage walk this is a trail that connects the pivotal areas in St Benedict’s life and abbeys founded by the saint.

Way of St. Francis: a modern Italian pilgrimage

Also known as the cammino di Francesco this route starts from La Verna, a Tuscan cave, passing through Assisi and ending in the Vatican. This Italian pilgrimage walk links the most emblematic sites that represent the life of the Patron Saint of Italy, one of the most venerated figures in Christianity.

Way of the Gods: an enchanting walk with the Gods

An immensely popular route along the Amalfi coast that is around 7km long and reaches heights of 630m above sea level. Walk through olive groves, along the jagged coastline and admire the domes of Praiano and Positano, as well as the island of Capri in the distance.

Materano Way: a scenic adventure

A system of secondary Roman roads, medieval paths and shepherds’ trails across Puglia and Basilicata. Highlights of this fascinating pilgrimage route include the trulli houses of Alberobello, Bari’s Basilica di San Nicola, and the wonderful towns of Altamura and Matera.

Via Lauretana: in the footsteps of the ancient pilgrims

This Etruscan-Roman route is 114 km long and wends its way from Siena to the Holy house of Loreto, in the Marche region. The combination of beautiful landscapes and medieval villages are perfect for slowing down and enjoying deep reflection.

Celestial Way: a heavenly walk

The cammino Celeste connects the ancient city of Aquileia to Mount Lussani in the Julian Apls, via a 196km route divided into 10 stages. This route requires a good level of fitness as the elevation is high as you hike through mountainous regions and rocky terrain.

Saint Anthony's Way: a time to reflect

An 800-year-old pilgrimage route in Italy that passes through Veneto, Emilia Romagna and Tuscany, connecting sites of strong spiritual meaning, villages and unspoiled nature. Start your journey from Basilica of St.  Anthony at Padua and end in Romagna.

Saint Valentine's Way: a lover’s walk

Walk the hundred kilometres of Umbrian countryside between Terni or Rome. The route is filled with ancient ruins and remains such as those of Carsulae or the Atricoli park. Each place along the ‘Via’ claim to hold some remains of St Valentine, of which there is said to have been two.

If you arrive in Italy by landing at Rome's Fiumicino airport, you will already find the railway station inside the airport, offering fast connections to numerous Italian cities from which to set off on your journey.

The thing about a pilgrimage route through Italy is that each one provides an in-depth look at the best what Italy has to offer as well as giving you the time to deepen your spiritual or inner journey or simply reflect on life. Whatever your motive for going on a pilgrimage to Italy, you are sure to find the one that is right for you.

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