ALONG THE VIA FRANCIGENA (VIA ROMEA)
From the 7th to the 12th century AD, the Via Francigena was almost the only road leading to Rome. It crossed Gaul and entered Italy via the Great St Bernard Pass. It descended into Lombardy until it met the ‘Great River’ near Corte St Andrew (Transitus Padi by Sigeric).
The itinerary was described in detail by the Archbishop of Canterbury Sigeric on his return journey from Rome, where he had received investiture from the Pope.
The landing place on the Emilian shore is in Soprarivo di Calendasco (Guado di Sigerico).
A wharf has been set up here to serve as a landing stage for the river taxi that allows pilgrims to cross the river Po.
Crossing the main embankment, we arrive at the CAUPONA SIGERICO, former headquarters of the BIFFULUS Recreational Sports Club, which currently houses the HOMO VIATOR Cultural Association, the Compagnia di San Corrado and the BIFFULUS PADUS 90 Sports Club.
On 5 July 2020, with a solemn ceremony in the presence of the Bishop of Piacenza-Bobbio, Sigeric’s Ford was also named after St. Columbanus.