From Historical Mobilities to European Cultural Routes. Via Francigena, Heritage and Pilgrimage

Ancient road networks, once vital corridors of movement and exchange, continue to shape contemporary societies through evolving approaches to mobility, heritage, and tourism. This volume examines the transformation of medieval itineraries, particularly the via Francigena, within the framework of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, highlighting its role as a complex phenomenon reflecting ongoing processes of territorialisation and contemporary reinterpretation. Adopting a geo-historical perspective, it explores the evolving identity of the via Francigena, tracing its journey from a medieval route to a living cultural landscape. Drawing on spatial analysis and ethnographic insights, it captures the dynamic processes of heritage and pilgrimage reinterpretation, connecting local realities to broader European narratives. In this context, the volume is structured to provide a methodological framework for understanding the shifting nature of historical routes. It presents critical insights into the processes of heritage inclusion and adaptation, with a particular focus on the Cultural Routes model, offering a lens through which to examine the complex interplay between historical continuity and contemporary transformation.