Tracing the Identity and Mobilities of a Rediscovered Medieval Route Network: Via Francigena (1695-2020)

Nowadays, the Via Francigena has become internationally famous. However, its historical geography remains a subject of heated debate. This paper explores changing understandings and interpretations of the Via Francigena by geographers, historians, archaeologists and other disciplines over the last three centuries. We examine scholarly claims made from the late eighteenth century onwards concerning the origin of the «Strade Francesche» or «Romee» and the proliferation of local studies and research in the first part of the twentieth century. When historical roads, and more broadly mobilities, became an approach to the analysis of the territorial organisation, the Via Francigena represented a common thread of historical and cultural dynamics. In the second half of the twentieth century, especially from the eighties, the Via Francigena acquired the perspective of an international road network and the number of studies increased. After 1994, when it was proclaimed a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, there has been much valuable interdisciplinary research concerning the meanings and purposes of its cultural, social and economic values. There has also been considerable debate and scepticism regarding the modern configuration and definition of the itinerary.