28 September 2025

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 that starts from Piazza Bonaparte in San Miniato to arrive at the church of Cristo Re in Gambassi Terme and, in its course, crosses the territory of the Municipalities of San Miniato, Castelfiorentino, Montaione and 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 fast walking race that uses the Via Francigena itinerary with a reverse route, from Gambassi Terme to San Miniato. The expected date of the event is set for September 28, 2025, with departure at 9:00 AM. Through the Francigeno itinerary, already used in 900 AD by Archbishop Sigeric, it will reach the Rocca of San Miniato which, like an ideal call for the old pilgrim, will show the participants the Tower of Frederick II of Swabia throughout the race.

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.