Monteriggioni: Forum on the Via Francigena Boosts Push for UNESCO

Monteriggioni: Via Francigena Forum and renewed bid for UNESCO recognition

On 11 April 2026, the XI annual Forum on the Via Francigena and regional walking routes was held at the Monumental Complex of Abbadia Isola in Monteriggioni (SI). The event emphasized the central role of municipalities and local communities in promoting and preserving historic routes.

Regional President Eugenio Giani reaffirmed Tuscany's commitment to promote and enhance historic paths and renewed the region's push to have the Via Francigena inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. He stressed the need for slow, sustainable tourism that safeguards landscapes and villages while creating opportunities for small towns.

• Venue: Monumental Complex of Abbadia Isola, Monteriggioni (SI).
• Date: 11 April 2026.
• Main topics: heritage protection, promotion of walking routes, slow and sustainable tourism.
• Sigerico Award: presented to Daniele Bibbiani (Gruppo Trekking Senese) for his lasting contribution to maintaining and enhancing the Tuscan stretch of the Via Francigena.

Visitors and those interested in the UNESCO nomination are advised to contact local tourist offices or consult regional institutional websites focused on historic trails. The aim is to balance responsible enjoyment of the routes with preservation of cultural and landscape heritage.