Via Francigena For All is one of the most significant initiatives introduced in 2022 by the Piedmont Region as part of a call for proposals by the Prime Minister's Office. The project aims to make two stages of the Piedmontese Via Francigena more accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy the beauty of this historic pilgrimage route.
A multidisciplinary team of professionals, public entities, and associations was formed to develop Via Francigena For All.
Following a thorough mapping of the territory and analysis of accessibility challenges, the necessary interventions were identified to enhance the routes and ensure a fully inclusive tourist experience.
To achieve these objectives, several activities have been implemented, including the creation of rest areas and multisensory panels along the routes, adaptation of accommodation facilities, training for local tourism operators, and the improvement of websites and communication channels.
Today, thanks to the Via Francigena For All project, the Ivrea-Viverone route in the Canavese area and the Susa Valley variant from Villar Focchiardo to Avigliana on the Via Francigena offer a fully accessible and inclusive tourist experience.
B-Free supported the improvement of accessibility along these routes.
Partners of the Via Francigena For All project:
The lead partner is the Piedmont Region, through the Regional Directorate for Coordination of Policies and European Funds - Tourism and Sport, with project partners including the local tourism promotion and reception agency Turismo Torino e Provincia and the Ecclesiastical Region of Piedmont, through the Regional Committee for Ecclesiastical Heritage of Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta, with support from Visit Piemonte.
Other entities and associations involved in the project include members of the Regional Committee for Accessible Tourism, notably the Italian Union for the Blind, the National Association for the Deaf, and regional departments for social policies and labor. Additional partners include Agenzia Piemonte Lavoro, Italian Alpine Club - Mountain Therapy, ASL TO – Regional Autism Center, CPD-Consulta for People in Difficulty, local administrations, and the Via Francigena di Sigerico Association from Ivrea.
