The Francigena Way, the path that took the 10th-century Bishop of Canterbury on his pilgrimage to Rome has been nominated for UNESCO heritage status by Italy.
The Italian section, from the Alps to Rome, is still a popular walking route that passes across scenic plains and through Tuscan olive groves before ending in Rome. It's accessible, in parts, for walkers, nature enthusiasts, cyclists and even equestrians.
But, although some 30,000 pilgrims walked it last year, its religious role faded long ago in favor of the more popular route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The Italian regions that are supporting the application say that to preserve it for future generations it needs funds, and more pedestrian-friendly accommodations along the route.
The route first developed in 990 AD, when Bishop Sigeric, known as Sigeric the Serious, undertook a pilgrimage to Rome, writing a journal along the way detailing the sights and impressions along his 1800 km walk.
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