Magna Via Francigena

The Magna Via Francigena crosses Sicily from sea to sea: about 180 km in nine stages, from Palermo on the Tyrrhenian coast to Agrigento on the Mediterranean. It follows one of the medieval roads that linked the island's capital with its southern coast, used by knights, shepherds, merchants and pilgrims. The Amici dei Cammini Francigeni di Sicilia association has waymarked it and looks after it. From Palermo the way climbs to Santa Cristina Gela, one of the Arbëreshë villages founded by Albanian refugees, then crosses into Corleone and the Sicani mountains. It passes through Prizzi, Castronovo di Sicilia and San Giovanni Gemini, along mule tracks, sheep trails and farm roads between wheat fields and pasture. The last stages reach Sutera, gathered under the rock of Monte San Paolino, then Grotte and Joppolo Giancaxio, before ending in Agrigento, by the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The association issues a credential in return for a donation, with pick-up points across Sicily and Italy; walking at least 100 km earns the Testimonium. Spring and autumn are the best seasons, since summer inland is very hot and services in the smaller villages are few.

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