Walking the Via Francigena Pilgrim Route - Part 4 : Rome to Monte Santa??Angelo, Bari, Brindisi and Santa Maria di Leuca

Journey through the heart of southern Italy on the fourth and final section of this classic long-distance pilgrimage. Following in the footsteps of countless pilgrims before you, this route takes you from the Eternal City through 940km (584 miles) of stunning landscapes—from volcanic lakes and forested ridges to olive-clad hills and sweeping coastlines. Your destination is the windswept sanctuary at Santa Maria di Leuca, where the peninsula's two seas meet. This comprehensive Cicerone guidebook breaks the journey into 45 manageable day-long stages across Lazio, Campania, and Puglia, making it accessible whether you have several weeks or just a few days to spare. Two major alternatives—the spectacular Monte Sant'Angelo variant and the scenic Via Litoranea coastal route—allow you to tailor your adventure to suit your ambitions and schedule. Each stage includes clear descriptions with distance, ascent/descent data, estimated walking times, difficulty ratings, and 1:100,000 mapping with elevation profiles. Free downloadable GPX tracks ensure confident navigation throughout. Discover southern Italy's rich heritage as you pass through historic cities like Bari, Brindisi, and Lecce, and picturesque villages such as Troia, Otranto, and Monopoli. Practical information covers accommodation and refreshment options for every stage, alongside advice on public transport, packing, pilgrimage credentials, and baggage transport. Experience the warm hospitality of local inns and pilgrim lodgings as you complete your journey. Spring through autumn offers the most beautiful weather and countryside conditions for walking this magnificent final section.