Vie Francigene for All?

Over 60 million European citizens and more than 300 million international tourists with specific needs face barriers to accessing cultural heritage sites, including the Via Francigena—a historic pilgrimage route. Despite Italy's advanced legal framework for accessibility (e.g., Plans to Remove Architectural Barriers), persistent gaps remain, particularly in touristic practices. This study highlights how solutions designed for those with disabilities often benefit the broader community, as seen with voice-activated phones or remote controls. By analyzing Italian and European good practices, it argues that inclusive design can transform the Via Francigena into a model for universal tourism, akin to France's Santiago de Compostela route, which attracts 300,000+ pilgrims annually. The research evaluates physical and cultural barriers to propose sustainable, resilient solutions for all.

Scidurlo, P., & D'Angeli, G. (2020). Vie Francigene for All? Almatourism - Journal of Tourism, Culture and Territorial Development, No 20 (2019). https://doi.org/10.6092/ISSN.2036-5195/10748