Via Francisca del Lucomagno: 10 years of tourism and connections
The Via Francisca del Lucomagno turns ten, connecting Castiglione to Rome and celebrating tourism and relations between territories.
Context
In brief
- The Via Francisca del Lucomagno celebrates its first ten years
- A collaboration protocol unites 43 entities between Lavena Ponte Tresa and Pavia
- The path becomes a driver of tourism and relationships
Key facts
- What: Celebration of the ten years of the Via Francisca del Lucomagno
- When: April 2026
- Where: Cultural space of VareseNews
- Who: Association 'In cammino lungo la Via Francisca del Lucomagno'
- Amount: 43 entities involved
The Via Francisca del Lucomagno turns ten, transforming the VareseNews headquarters into a crossroads of institutions, walkers, and dreamers. The project, born in January 2015 on the proposal of Adelaide Trezzini, received a decisive boost in October of the same year thanks to Donatella Barbieri of the Province of Varese. The result was a collaboration protocol that united 43 entities between Lavena Ponte Tresa and Pavia, signed in Castiglione Olona. A leap in quality achieved thanks to the vision of Marco Giovannelli and a group of entrepreneurs who knew how to enhance the project at the national level.
On stage were the 'pioneers' Paolo Ermotti and Fabio Leidi of Lugano, the first to cover the entire route ten years ago, defining Ferruccio Maruca their 'guardian angel' for the constant support received during the journey. Moving were also the words of those who live the path today: Antea Franceschin, guide of Controvento Trekking, described the Via as an opportunity for 'proximity tourism', bringing every Sunday dozens of people to discover local treasures such as the murals of Marchirolo or the mills of Argentera. Roberto Meraviglia of Canegrate told his conversion from cycling to walking at 60 years old: 'Walking is much more reflective and allows you to see details that escape you while riding a bike.'
An inclusive path
Pietro Scidurlo, founder of Free Wheels Onlus and a reference point for accessible walking in Italy, wanted to emphasize how the Via Francisca has been, since its design phases, an example of inclusion: 'The Via Francisca is not just a trail, it is an opportunity for freedom. Celebrating ten years means celebrating a path that has chosen not to leave anyone behind. When we started mapping these kilometers, the goal was not only to find the most beautiful path, but the one that would also allow those who move with aids or have special needs to experience the pilgrimage. A path is such only if it is for everyone and by everyone: the Francisca has shown that with the right sensitivity, barriers, physical and mental, can be overcome, making the beauty of our territory a truly shared heritage.'
A path does not exist without those who open the doors and take care of the trail. Significant was the intervention of Leonardo Fassi, of the association Il Gelso di Santo Stefano di Ticino (fraction of Bienate). Fassi represents the soul of volunteering that makes hospitality possible in the Altomilanese: 'For us of the Association Il Gelso, being part of the Via Francisca means giving concreteness to hospitality. In these ten years we have seen hundreds of pilgrims pass by and every time it is an exchange that enriches our community. Taking care of the passage of walkers in the stretch of Santo Stefano and Bienate is not just maintenance, but a way to make those who walk feel at home, offering refreshment and listening. The path has awakened in our countries a territorial pride that...
Operational details
- ### The implications for tourism and local communities
The Via Francisca del Lucomagno has had a significant impact on tourism and local communities. The promotion of 'proximity tourism' has led to an increase in the number of visitors discovering the hidden treasures of the territories crossed by the path. This has brought economic benefits to local communities, with an increase in commercial activities and services related to tourism.
- ### Testimonials from walkers
Testimonials from walkers, such as those from Paolo Ermotti and Fabio Leidi, highlight the importance of constant support and expert guidance along the route. The Via Francisca is not just a trail, but an opportunity for personal growth and connection with nature and local communities. Guide Antea Franceschin from Controvento Trekking emphasized how the walk is an experience that allows you to discover details and beauties that would otherwise be missed.
- ### The inclusivity of the walk
Inclusivity is a fundamental aspect of the Via Francisca del Lucomagno. Pietro Scidurlo, founder of Free Wheels Onlus, highlighted how the walk has been designed to be accessible to everyone, including those with special needs. This inclusive approach has made the Via Francisca an example of how tourism can be an opportunity for freedom and sharing for all.
- ### The role of volunteering
Volunteering plays a crucial role in the management and promotion of the Via Francisca. Leonardo Fassi, from the association Il Gelso di Santo Stefano di Ticino, emphasized how hospitality and care of the trail are fundamental to ensuring a positive experience for walkers. This voluntary commitment not only enriches local communities but also contributes to creating a sense of pride and belonging.
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Key points
What to do to participate
To participate in the walk along the Via Francisca del Lucomagno, you can contact local associations or visit the dedicated websites. It is advisable to plan the route in advance, considering your physical abilities and special needs. It is also important to inform yourself about the weather conditions and the services available along the way.
The next steps
The Via Francisca del Lucomagno continues to grow and develop, with new projects and initiatives in the pipeline. Among the next steps, there is the announcement of a new hostel at the Abbey of Ganna, which will offer further opportunities for accommodation and support to walkers. This development represents a further step forward in the promotion of tourism and relations between the territories.
Useful tools
To plan your walk along the Via Francisca del Lucomagno, you can use the route calculator to estimate the duration and stages of your journey. Additionally, consult the interactive map to discover points of interest and services available along the route. Don't forget to check the weather conditions and prepare your equipment according to the needs of the path.
Source: varesenews.it
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I participate in the walk along the Via Francisca del Lucomagno?
- To participate in the walk, you can contact local associations or visit the dedicated websites. It is advisable to plan the route in advance, considering your physical abilities and special needs. It is also important to inform yourself about the weather conditions and the services available along the way.
- What are the benefits of the proximity tourism promoted by the Via Francisca?
- The proximity tourism promoted by the Via Francisca del Lucomagno has brought economic benefits to local communities, with an increase in commercial activities and services related to tourism. Moreover, it has allowed the discovery of hidden treasures and created a sense of connection and belonging among the territories.
- How can I contribute as a volunteer to the Via Francisca del Lucomagno?
- To contribute as a volunteer, you can join the local associations that manage and promote the Via Francisca. Volunteering is essential to ensure a positive experience for walkers and to enrich local communities.