20 September 2026

Stage 30 of the Via Francigena is the route that leads from San Miniato to Gambassi Terme.

It’s like going back in time, along the path of pilgrims who traveled from Canterbury to Rome to see the Holy Father. Here, in the enchantment of the hilly ridges of the Val d’Elsa, the itinerary leads to admiring sweet landscapes scattered with rows of centuries-old cypresses, in the midst of wheat fields, vineyards and olive groves, where castles, fortresses, hospices and Abbeys make a beautiful display.

The environment has remained intact as it appeared more than 1,100 years ago to Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury, who was ecstatic about the Pievi of Coiano and Santa Maria a Chianni.

Iconic monuments of this itinerary are the Tower of Frederick II of Swabia, the Tabernacles of the Madonna della Tosse and the Visitation (both frescoed by Benozzo Gozzoli), the Franciscan Convent of Sacro Monte in San Vivaldo and the bell tower, surrounded by the walled enclosures of Montaione.

Stage 30 runs along a route of about 26 km on the Via Francigena, starting from San Miniato and crossing the territories of Castelfiorentino and Montaione to reach Gambassi Terme.

The spirit that animates us

A run, or a walk, can be understood as an intense metaphor for life. You undertake it, leaving the past behind you, embodied by the meters traveled, a future to reach in the goal that lies before you. Centimeter after centimeter, every meter gained is yours, to face with courage in those steps that tire so much and frighten so much, but give you so much.

The race

It is a running and walking event that follows the Via Francigena itinerary from San Miniato to Gambassi Terme. The event date is Sunday, September 20, 2026, with departure at 9:00 AM from Piazza del Seminario in San Miniato. Through the Francigena itinerary, already used in 900 AD by Archbishop Sigeric, the route leads participants towards Gambassi Terme along the ridges of the Val d’Elsa.

The organization of the event is entrusted to the San Miniato Sports and Solidarity Association which will collaborate with all the Associative and Volunteer forces of the four municipalities involved.

Finally, with this event, we want to remember Dr. Massimo Tedeschi, former Mayor of Fidenza and Salsomaggiore, Founder and President of the European Association of the Via Francigena.

To Him goes our dutiful tribute.