The Zero Stone at Canterbury

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Via Francigena

Via Francigena: In the Footsteps of Pilgrims

In 990 AD Sigeric the Serious, Archbishop of Canterbury left Canterbury Cathedral to visit Pope John XV in Rome. Sigeric walked around 20 km a day and rested at 79 places along the way and his journey is seen as the beginning of the pilgrim's route, the Via Francigena. The long distance route is still travelled by religious pilgrims but is now also an important tourism route for people looking to walk, cycle or ride for pleasure, sport or contemplation.

The 1700 kilometre route passes though the UK, France, Switzerland and Italy and in 1994 it was designated a Cultural Route of Europe. Cultural Routes help put into practice the fundamental principles of the Council of Europe: human rights, cultural democracy, cultural diversity and identity, dialogue, mutual exchange and enrichment across boundaries and centuries.

The UK section of the Via Francigena is around 30 km and starts at the zero stone in the precincts of Canterbury Cathedral. It is often walked in two sections: Canterbury to Shepherdswell 16.7 km (10.4 miles) and Shepherdswell to Dover 13.7 km (8.5 miles). Train stations at Canterbury East, Shepherdswell and Dover can help with return journeys if you're not travelling on to Rome!

The European Association of the Via Francigena is the recognised body that is responsible for coordinating, developing and promoting the route and as members of the association Canterbury City Council is working with others including Canterbury Cathedral, Visit Canterbury, the North Downs Way, Kent Ramblers, Kent County Council and others to improve the route's signage and to provide information about the route and places along its way. Once you leave Canterbury the route follows the North Downs Way.