Via Francigena

The Via Francigena, one of the great historic pilgrimage routes of medieval Europe, passes through the Valdelsa between Florence and Siena — and the hills around Montaione lie directly on its path. The modern waymarked trail follows the ridge roads and gravel tracks (strade bianche) that medieval pilgrims would have used, giving walkers a journey through classic Tuscan countryside: vineyards, olive groves, cypress avenues, and quiet hill towns.

Montaione is not directly on the main Francigena route — the waymarked path passes slightly east near Gambassi Terme — but the local trail network connects to it easily. Day walks from Montaione along Francigena sections can be done without transport back, using taxi services from Gambassi Terme. The terrain is gentle and the paths are well-maintained. Pilgrim credentials (passports stamped at churches along the route) can be obtained at local churches; Montaione's parish church is one of the stamping points.

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A story
The Via Francigena was the main pilgrim route from Canterbury to Rome in the medieval period, used by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims over several centuries. Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury walked it in 990 AD and recorded 79 stages in his diary — the document that forms the basis of the modern waymarked route. The section through the Valdelsa, passing through Montaione and nearby Gambassi Terme, follows a ridge of gentle Tuscan hills with views over the clay badlands and vineyards.