Via Francigena
- Colle’s Francigena Loop Trail
The Via Francigena route crosses Colle di Val d’Elsa along Stage 32. A journey that allows you to discover the beauty of the Tuscan countryside in one of its most charming corners.
The Via Francigena: In the Footsteps of Pilgrims
An ancient trail at the heart of Colle
Walking through Colle di Val d’Elsa and its countryside, you can retrace the footsteps of medieval pilgrims, merchants and travellers. Along the way, you can stop at two of the most important stopovers recorded by Sigeric (mansiones), San Martino in Fosse and Aelse-today’s Pieve a Elsa – and admire the golden hills and the Elsa river’s deep blue waters.
Even today, travellers -like modern pilgrims- cross the countryside step by step, enjoying the beauty of golden hills or gazing at their reflections in the Elsa river’s deep blue waters, until they lose themselves in the winding streets of the historic centre.
For over a thousand years, the Via Francigena has been an invisible thread linking distant lands, cultures and people. It passes through Colle di Val d’Elsa along Stage 32, between San Gimignano and Monteriggioni, one of the most evocative and magical stretches of the entire Tuscan route.
Two routes, two souls of the Francigena
In the municipality of Colle, the Francigena unfolds along two paths: the first one crosses the heart of the town, while the second one crosses the countryside.
The main route
The main route leads straight into the town where Colle Alta welcomes the traveller with the fortified Porta Nova, designed by Giuliano da Sangallo.
Along ancient paved streets, medieval towers and Renaissance palazzi, the most important sites of the historic centre unfold: from the Borough, with the San Pietro Museum and the Santa Caterina church, a Renaissance brick bridge leads to the Castle. Beyond Palazzo Campana, narrow streets guide visitors to Piazza Duomo, where the eyes move between Palazzo Pretorio, home to Ranuccio Bianchi Bandinelli Archaeological Museum, and the Cathedral with its austere simplicity.
Accompanied by the tolling of the bells marking the passage of time, the route continues past Palazzo dei Priori and the brick façade of the 13th-century Ospedale di Ricovero (later Teatro dei Varii). Before descending towards Colle Bassa visitors can admire the Arnolfo tower house. Once you reach the Piano, you can find Piazza Sant’Agostino, the Crystal Museum, the scenic Piazza Arnolfo di Cambio and the deep blue water of the Elsa river, up to the thermal springs of Le Caldane.
The alternative route
For those who love to get lost in nature, this alternative path winds along country lanes and cultivated fields that border ancient villages. Here, among the purplish hues of lavender and the bright yellow of broom contrasting with the deep green of oak and holm oak woods, it is easy to leave behind the frenzy of passing time. This way, you can rediscover the gentle pleasure of losing yourself in nature.
This route is the most suitable option for hikers, cycling enthusiasts and anyone seeking to fully immerse themselves in the colours and rhythms of the natural world. Along the way, you will also encounter the springs of Le Vene, used since the Etruscan-roman period and essential to the flow and balance of the Elsa River.
Colle’s Francigena Loop Trail
For those who can and wish to dedicate more time discovering the town’s nature and history through an evocative walk, it is possible to combine the two routes. This creates a circular path: Colle’s Francigena Loop Trail, 22 kilometres of pure beauty, starting and ending in Colle di Val d’Elsa.
This ring trail takes you on a particularly evocative journey that, in a single day, allows you to explore the best of the Valdelsa: the history preserved in museums and ancient stones, the vibrancy of squares and workshops, the silence of the countryside, the coolness of the river, and the charm of ancient springs.
A precious experience for anyone wishing to rediscover slowness, hear the sound of their own footsteps, and savour the colours and flavours of an authentic Tuscany.