5 wonders along the Via Francigena in Tuscany

Walking the Via Francigena, the ancient religious pilgrimage route from northern Europe to Rome, is a unique and unforgettable experience. Along the Tuscan stretch, which starts at the Cisa Pass and ends south of Radicofani, one encounters numerous wonders and historical beauties.

We have selected 5 that we recommend you see as soon as possible.

Cathedral of Massa

The Cathedral of Massa, dedicated to Saints Peter and Francis, is a veritable treasure chest of artistic treasures. There are definite records of it from the 15th century, but its present appearance is the result of various works and renovations put in place over time. The marvelous marble façade in neoclassical style was erected in 1936 to a design by architect Cesario Fellini. Inside are preserved a large number of valuable sculptural and pictorial works, including: the altar of Our Lady of the Rosary carved by the Carraresi Lazzoni; a 13th-century wooden crucifix of the Lucca school; and a Madonna and Child by Pinturicchio.

Cathedral of Lucca

The Cathedral of Lucca, named after St. Martin, is a key stop on the Via Francigena. According to tradition, it was founded in the 6th century by St. Frediano but from the 11th century was completely rebuilt. With the last intervention, completed in the 17th century, the exterior decorations and the construction of the Sanctuary Chapel were completed. It features a splendid Romanesque facade with three orders of small loggias surmounting a large portico decorated with reliefs. Inside, in addition to paintings by Tintoretto and Ghirlandaio, two works of art stand out: the tomb of Ilaria del Carretto, a Renaissance masterpiece by Jacopo della Quercia; and the ancient wooden crucifix of the Holy Face carved by Nicodemus.

Medici Bridge of Cappiano

In the area of Cappiano, in the province of Florence, you can admire a beautiful bridge used by pilgrims who traveled the Via Francigena to cross the Usciana River, an effluent of the Fucecchio Marshes. It has a different structure from all the bridges we are used to seeing along the roads of Tuscany. It was built in medieval times but its present form dates back to the first half of the 16th century, when Grand Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici decided to rebuild it. The open and covered bridges were then built, along with various outbuildings.

Tower of Frederick II in San Miniato

Another wonder that can be admired along the Via Francigena is the Tower of Frederick II, named after the emperor who had it built between 1217 and 1223. Destroyed by the Germans during World War II, it was rebuilt exactly like the original in 1958 with the help of architect Renato Baldi and engineer Emilio Brizzi. It is also famous for having been the prison of Pier delle Vigne, the faithful secretary of the emperor mentioned by Dante in the Divine Comedy. Positioned on the highest peak of the town, it affords an extraordinary panorama from the rooftops of San Miniato to the Valdarno, the Volterra hills and the Apennines.

Grancia of Cuna in Monteroni d’Arbia

In the territory of Monteroni d’Arbia, in the heart of the Crete Senesi, is the world-famous Grancia of Cuna, one of the most interesting architectural structures in Tuscany as well as one of the highest Italian and European examples of a medieval fortified farm. It was built in the early 14th century by the city of Siena and the Spedale del Santa Maria della Scala, which housed and gave assistance to pilgrims and wayfarers traveling along the Via Francigena. The complex consists of a large square block with two corner towers equipped with defensive apparatus.