Medieval Europe was criss-crossed by pilgrimage routes taking the faithful to the shrines of saints and apostles. It was big business – the tourism of its day. The thousands who trekked great distances needed to be fed and watered and on arrival at their destination, were a ready market for trinkets and souvenirs. Today, these paths are becoming increasingly popular again.
Via Francigena
The Via Francigena was a major pilgrimage route during the Middle Ages, connecting Canterbury to Rome and passing through several countries and regions. The road originated from a network of paths created by the Lombards, who ruled northern Italy in the early Middle Ages. It also used the remains of the Roman road network that previously knitted western Europe together. The Via Francigena extended from the south-east of England, ran down through France, through the Alpine passes, on through Italy and finally Rome.
It might be assumed that the Via Francigena took off after the murder of Saint Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, in 1170. But in fact, the first mention of the Via goes back to a man who held Becket’s job two hundred years earlier. Sigeric was archbishop between 990 and 994 CE and he traveled to Rome to receive his “pallium” from the pope in person, the vestment that designates his office. All the stops on the way were logged in a journal that still exists in London – mapping out the Via Francigena.
The length of the Via is 1,200 miles and it takes two weeks by bike and two months on foot. The Vatican and Italian government have been promoting and improving the path in recent years to encourage more pilgrims to Rome.
Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago)
This is an increasingly popular pilgrimage route that leads to the tomb of the apostle James in the north-western Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. There are numerous Camino routes, each with its unique characteristics and challenges. Some popular routes include the Camino Francés, the Camino Portugués, and the Camino del Norte.
The Camino provides a challenging physical experience, encouraging self-discovery and resilience. Many walkers find it a way to push their limits and gain a sense of accomplishment. This long path is relatively accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. Many routes offer a range of accommodation options, making it an affordable travel experience.
The length of the Camino is 500 miles, taking 30 days to walk in its entirety.
Pilgrim’s Way to Canterbury
This English pilgrimage route goes from the ancient city of Winchester to Canterbury. Winchester was the capital of the Kingdom of Wessex under rule of King Alfred the Great. It once vied with London to be capital of England but then declined in importance. The Pilgrim’s Way connects the shrine of Saint Swithun at Winchester Cathedral with that of Thomas Becket at Canterbury. In all likelihood, it follows a prehistoric pathway dating far back into our history.
Alternatively, the pilgrim can opt to follow the route to Canterbury taken by the characters in Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales. That begins at Southwark Cathedral, on the south bank of the river Thames, near the bustling Borough market. It strikes south meeting the Winchester route at the village of Otford.
The Winchester-Canterbury path is 138 miles and takes just over 52 hours to walk.
Via Podiensis
This route is one of four that snakes through France making its way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. It’s widely regarded as the most picturesque, beginning on the steps of Le Puy Cathedral, in the Auvergne region. This cathedral was the centre of the “Black Madonna” cult in the Middle Ages, where an ebony statue of the Virgin Mary was venerated. This object was destroyed during the French Revolution.
This route is 457 miles long and takes four to six weeks to complete.
St. Cuthbert’s Way
This follows the route taken by Saint Cuthbert, who lived in the seventh century CE and began his career in the church at Melrose Abbey, later becoming the bishop of Lindisfarne. So, basically, you follow the route he took when he was promoted. There’s some beautiful scenery along the way including the Tweed Valley, Eildon Hills, and the Northumberland coast.
Melrose was the first Cistercian abbey in Scotland, founded in 1136. The town was also home to Michael Scot (or Scotus), a medieval mathematician and philosopher who was condemned as a sorcerer. He was reputed to have turned an entire coven of witches to stone. Michael became so famous that he features in the poet Dante’s work, The Divine Comedy.
Lindisfarne Priory, located on Holy Island, is a magical place, only accessible via a causeway at low tide. It was destroyed by the Vikings and rebuilt by the Normans. This walk will take you through the rugged landscape of northern England on the border with Scotland with amazing sea views.
Saint Cuthbert’s Way is just over 62 miles and takes four to six days to complete.
St Olav’s Way or the Old King’s Road
Now we head to the very north of Europe. Olav II Haraldsson, later known as St. Olav, was King of Norway from 1015 to 1028. After he fell in the battle of Stiklestad in 1030 he was declared a martyr and a saint. For centuries after his death, pilgrims made their way through Scandinavia, along routes leading to Nidaros Cathedral, in Trondheim, where Saint Olav lies buried.
As with Santiago, there are several options on routes to take to Trondheim. These go through Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden.
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