Altopascio, like a pilgrim on the Via Francigena


     



    I had never been to Alton, a town located along the A11, the highway that goes to the sea for the Florentines (towards Versilia). Halfway between the Valdinievole and Lucca, in reality, Altopascio is an ancient city and a central place on the medieval "highway" which was the via Francigena. Traveled by many pilgrims who went from northern Europe to Rome or the Holy Land; Altopascio was a stop and a place of welcome for pilgrims, thanks to its famous hospital, managed by the Knights of the Tau, a real hospitable order.

    Altopascio, like a pilgrim on the Via Francigena

    The center is very small but the hospital is still there, transformed into a reception center for modern pilgrims who still today travel this long and fascinating trekking route that is the Francigena. The Foresteria di Altopascio provides accommodation for those who walk on the Francigena, a low-priced, spartan accommodation.

    And there really are pilgrims to Altopascio, bag on his shoulder and hat. Altopascio has a beautiful bell tower of the 12th century, which stands out and is the bell tower of the parish church of San Jacopo Maggiore. The center of Altopascio with its pretty squares is accessible from three doors, the walls are now incorporated by the houses, but the atmosphere is still ancient.



    The elegant loggia, once part of the hospital cloister, is home to a cute spaghetti bar and B&B where you can have a drink, eat or stop.


    Altopascio, like a pilgrim on the Via Francigena

    But another important feature of Altopascio is that of being one city ​​of bread, association that protects traditionally produced breads. Altopascio bread is Tuscan, therefore absolutely without salt, of large pieces. The crumb is soft, the crust is crunchy: a real treat! To be bought in one of the many bakeries in the town.


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