Via Francigena made child-friendly: family and school routes in Pavia

Via Francigena made child-friendly

Three municipalities in the Pavia area — Pavia, Belgioioso and Linarolo — together with Fondazione Cariplo and local associations have launched "Walking together on the Via Francigena", a programme of routes and workshops aimed at young children as part of the "Growing on the Francigena" project.

The initiative includes two strands: activities for families with children aged 0–6 and routes for schools (children aged 3–10). The walks are deliberately short — never more than one kilometre — and led with child-friendly language; each session ends with a snack for participants.

• Ten itineraries are scheduled at 15:30, with the first departure on 16 May exploring San Michele, Porta Calcinara and Casa degli Eustachi.
• On 31 May a route will focus on the Covered Bridge and the river of legends, visiting Piazzale Ghinaglia and Santa Maria in Betlem.
• Additional school programmes are planned from May to October.
• Bookings: [email protected].

Local mayors also announced a planned September opening of a children's library and a multimedia room at Belgioioso Castle. The project aims to enhance the Via Francigena as a community space, fostering slow tourism and outdoor educational opportunities for younger generations.