{
  "id": 3989282,
  "title": "Cammini, la Via Francigena del Sud modello di accessibilità",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/cammini-la-via-francigena-del-sud-modello-di-accessibilita",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-28T16:10:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Il Sole 24 Ore",
    "slug": "il-sole-24-ore",
    "url": "https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/cammini-via-francigena-sud-modello-accessibilita-AJzaIZx"
  },
  "original_language": "it",
  "account": "The \"Per una Via Francigena del Sud accessibile a tutti\" project, funded by the Ministry of Tourism, aims to enhance the slow, sustainable tourism and the towns along the Via Francigena route. The 120-kilometer stretch between Lecce and Santa Maria di Leuca is being made more inclusive thanks to the leadership of Poggiardo commune, in collaboration with the European Association of the Francigen Way (AEVF) and Mollare Mai association. The project covers 5 stops in the municipalities of Poggiardo, Cannole, Giuggianello, Giurdignano, Martano, Palmariggi and Tricase, and benefits other surrounding centers as well.\n\nMinister of Tourism Gianmarco Mazzi emphasized that walking is one of the most powerful expressions of the Italy they want to promote – a slow, sustainable tourism that rejuvenates both the territories and people. The project demonstrates how accessibility and innovation can complement each other, making this ancient 2,000-year-old route truly accessible to everyone, with no one excluded. By valuing the walks, we value the roots and identities of our small towns, generating real economic activity in the regions and offering international travelers the authenticity that only Italy can provide.\n\nThe innovative model makes the southern section of the Via Francigena a pioneer for accessibility in Italy – not just for physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities, but also for age, dietary needs, and temporary conditions. The project includes mapping critical points, georeferencing the route, services, and points of interest, maintenance interventions, and the development of augmented and virtual reality tools for an inclusive appreciation of the heritage. It also features rest stops with first aid kits, solar-powered benches, and tactile QR codes.\n\nFunded by the Vademecum of the AEVF on accessible Via Francigena, the project aligns with the national strategy supporting the Italian section of the Via Francigena's candidacy for UNESCO World Heritage status, which is currently under evaluation and expected to be decided by October 2026. During the project, on September 23-25, BTM Interactions will stop in Poggiardo for meetings with national and international buyers, B2B encounters with local operators, and a national conference on accessible tourism along the pilgrimage routes on September 25 at 15 at the Palace of Culture.",
  "summary": "È in fase di completamento il progetto «Per una Via Francigena del Sud accessibile a tutti» finanziato dal ministero del Turismo per valorizzare il turismo lento, sostenibile e i borghi....",
  "key_points": [
    "Project funded by Ministry of Tourism to enhance accessible Via Francigena.",
    "120-kilometer stretch between Lecce and Santa Maria di Leuca made more inclusive.",
    "Poggiardo commune leads project with AEVF and Mollare Mai association."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}