Five millennia-old paths leading to Rome are once again at the forefront. The Ministry of Tourism and ENIT have launched the “Antichi Cammini d’Italia” (Ancient Paths of Italy) project, an initiative funded by Next Generation EU. This project aims to enhance itineraries of European significance that traverse Lazio and converge in the Capital. This is not merely a promotional effort; the project is integrated into the Council of Europe’s Cultural Routes network, established in 1987 to safeguard and make accessible shared heritage. The initiative focuses on identity, dialogue between territories, and more sustainable tourism. For walking enthusiasts, it offers a concrete opportunity to rediscover mountains, hills, forests, and villages through a clear and recognized route.
What the “Antichi Cammini d’Italia” Project Entails
The project highlights five historical routes that, from the North and East, gather in Lazio to reach Rome: the Via Francigena, the Via di Francesco, the Cammino di San Benedetto, the Romea Strata, and the Via Romea Germanica.
The initiative is supported by European Union funds – Next Generation EU and is part of the PNRR (Mission M1C3, Investment 4.3, Intervention 274). The Ministry of Tourism is the implementing body, with ENIT S.p.A. responsible for execution. The stated objective is valorization, meaning to provide visibility, coherence, and usability to paths with a consolidated cultural and tourist impact.
Why These Paths Matter for European Slow Tourism
The selected itineraries are part of a transnational network established with the Council of Europe’s Cultural Routes Programme, instituted in Strasbourg in 1987. Within this framework, walking is promoted as a means of safeguarding heritage, fostering cultural exchange, and encouraging sustainable tourism.
This vision extends beyond individual stages: the journey becomes an experience, the territory a protagonist, and slowness a value rather than an obstacle. For Italy, already one of the most sought-after destinations for walking tourism, this means strengthening its natural position in low-speed cultural tourism.
The Five Revitalized Paths
Via Francigena: In the Footsteps of Sigeric
This is the most internationally recognized historical Italian itinerary, approximately 3,200 kilometers long. It retraces the journey of Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury, who in 990 AD recorded 79 stages (mansiones) of his return from Rome in his diary. The modern axis connects Canterbury to Santa Maria di Leuca, crossing England, France, Switzerland, Italy, and Vatican City. It is the paradigm of the European path: documented, transnational, capable of bringing together devotion, landscape, and art cities, with Rome as its focal point.
Via di Francesco
Part of the five paths targeted for enhancement, it, like the others, crosses Lazio to reach Rome. It is included within the framework of European itineraries promoted for cultural and sustainable purposes, emphasizing the walking experience. Its inclusion in the project confirms Rome’s role as a convergence point for major historical routes.
Cammino di San Benedetto
Included among the routes in the “Antichi Cammini d’Italia” action, it shares the approach that favors passage through villages and internal landscapes and convergence in the Capital. The enhancement aims to make its narrative and accessibility clearer for those wishing to embark on the journey.
Romea Strata
This is one of the five selected routes, arriving in Rome through Lazio. Its inclusion in the project aligns with the transnational network logic promoted by the Council of Europe, with an emphasis on intercultural dialogue and responsible tourism. This route thus adds to the offering of historical paths recognizable to the international public.
Via Romea Germanica
Completes the quintet of itineraries highlighted by the project. It reaches the Capital by converging in Lazio and, like the others, falls within the scope of historical paths promoted for their cultural and landscape value. Its presence reinforces the idea of Rome as a terminal node for European routes that cross inland Italy.
How to Plan Without Improvising
Before setting off, it is advisable to check the official documentation of the routes and follow the indications provided by the organizations that manage the paths. It is useful to plan stages based on historically recognized sections and stay updated on the developments of the “Antichi Cammini d’Italia” action promoted by the Ministry of Tourism and ENIT.
In perspective, the convergence on Rome also facilitates logistical choices such as arrival and departure, thanks to the Capital’s connections. To maximize the experience, it is advisable to consider seasonality, elevation changes, and available services in the towns crossed.
Expectations: Timelines, Tools, and Communication
As the action is funded under the PNRR and entrusted to the Ministry of Tourism and ENIT, institutional communication should be followed for operational details and updates. The European framework of Cultural Routes and the convergence on Rome indicate a path already outlined in terms of objectives: to promote walking as a shared cultural experience.
In the implementation phase, effectiveness will depend on the ability to provide clear information to the public and a coherent narrative of the five routes. There is interest, and the market is there: Italy is already among the most sought-after destinations for walking enthusiasts.
Source: idealista.it
