VIA FRANCIGENA

Hotel Villa Ducci is located at the gates of the historic center of San Gimignano, from which it is possible to take the path of the Via Francigena. Staying in our hotel you can decide to cross this path during your holiday in the heart of Tuscany, or, if you are a trekking lover, this is what is right for you. It is also a way to see the Tuscan countryside with all its colors, shades and scents. As you walk you will notice the immensity of nature and how important it is to preserve it: your every single step will be a new discovery.

The Via Francigena starts from the Cathedral of San Gimignano, one of the most distinguished examples of an Italian Roman-Gothic cathedral. The Cathedral of San Gimignano is undoubtedly one of the most significant monuments of the city. The internal space of the church, with a basilica plan, is punctuated by fourteen classic Tuscan stone columns, ten of which are round and four octagonal. The walls of the church are entirely covered with frescoes that tell the Stories of the New and Old Testament painted by illustrious painters of the Sienese school of the fourteenth century.

From here a stage of 31 km is undertaken, with a duration of about 7 hours, which can be covered on foot or by mountain bike.

The Path

After an initial stretch, the route becomes full of nature trails, in the valley of the Foci stream which wades towards Molino d’Aiano, a medieval site in the municipality of Colle di Val d’Elsa.
The itinerary continues uphill reaching the characteristic Romanesque church of Santa Maria a Coneo, whose architecture is definitely worth a visit.
Going forward, you cross the bridge over the Elsa until you reach the Romanesque church of San Martino in Strove, dating back to the 10th century.
Finally, we arrive at the complex of Abbadia a Isola and finally Monteriggioni, a small fortified village that represents one of the jewels of Tuscany. Thanks to its castle surrounded by massive walls, towers and gates it has become a real tourist attraction.

Water and refreshment points are only available in built-up areas.

Our hotel with restaurant will welcome you at the end or beginning of the itinerary: here you will find many Tuscan dishes with local and top quality ingredients.