via francigena 2403

# Leg 09 - From Santhià to Vercelli
Santhià is well known for its historic carnival, the oldest of Piedmont, since the 14th century.
Vercelli is home to numerous relics of the Roman period, e.g. an amphitheatre, hippodrome, sarcophagi, and many important inscriptions, some of which are Christian.
The first cathedral dates back to the 4th century, but it was destroyed and rebuilt in the 5th century.
The itinerary crosses the plain of Vercelli characterized by several rice fields, different avicultural species attracted by sheets of water in this area.
The tour follows sheep tracks and rural roads for the most part.

# Leg 10 - From Vercelli to Robbio
The first section of the route follows the bank of the Sesia, through poplar trees and rice fields.
From Palestro follow the narrow banks which cross the flooded fields.

# Leg 11 - From Robbio to Mortara
This is a very short leg which passes into the flat countryside of Lomellina, following wide roads in the first section and grassy sheep tracks in the area of Madonna del Campo.
Mind the crossing over the bridge of the Agogna torrent upon leaving Nicorvo.
The S. Valeriano monastery and the church of S. Pietro (12th century) can be found in Robbio, where a "Hospicium" used to shelter pilgrims stands.

# Leg 12 - From Mortara to Garlasco
Leaving Mortara we reach the abbey of Sant'Albino, built in the fifth century and later recasted. The perfect place to stop for pilgrims arriving from Mortara.
A path through fields takes us to Remondò and Tromello, rest-stop of Sigeric's route. The walk includes easy rural roads, following asphalt roads only through towns.

# Leg 13 - From Garlasco to Pavia
The first section of the route to the confluence with the Ticino includes the beautiful countryside of Pavia, which is crossed by several canals and dotted with farmhouses and trees.
There is a lovely crossing through the Ticino Park along the E1 trail which overlaps the Via Francigena with views of the river, dense woods and a variety of fauna, creating evocative scenery.

# Leg 14 - From Pavia to Santa Cristina
This leg crosses the alluvial plain of the Basso Pavese, where we encounter the characteristic river terraces near S. Lazzaro, Belgioioso, and S. Cristina.
 Interesting architectural ruins can be seen along the route, mainly religious buildings: from the majestic façade of S. Michele in Pavia, to the little Church of S. Giacomo.
Many parts are along the road verge, but on roads with little traffic; pay attention when crossing the roundabout of the 617 state road.

# Leg 15 - From Santa Cristina to Orio Litta
During this leg we flank the low reliefs dotted with vineyards on the hill of S. Colombano and, crossing the city centre of Miradolo Terme, reach the imposing Castle of Chignolo Po.
After crossing the Lambro we reach the area of Lodigiano, where the track follows the river bank and later the smaller banks of the rice fields leading to Orio Litta, giving us a wonderful view.
Pay attention when crossing the bridge over the Lambro.

# Leg 16 - From Orio Litta to Piacenza
Leaving Orio Litta we quickly reach the Ford of Sigeric, the "Transitum Padi", where you can cross to the opposite bank in Soprarivo via ferry.
After a short way along the bank of the Po, a series of paths along state roads guides to Ponte Trebbia.
Beyond the river a bicycle and pedestrian path leads to the entrance to Piacenza.
Be careful at the Emilia Pavese state road in Ponte Trebbia and the secondary road between Calendasco and Incrociata.

# Leg 17 - From Piacenza to Fiorenzuola
In the first part of the stage you cross the town outskirts, and you must pay attention between Montale and the bridge on the Nure river, because you must walk on the busy road Via Emilia.
The stage is challenging for the lenght and for the long stretches of road on asphalt.
In case of rainy weather, after Chero we suggest to follow the cycling Via Francigena, signposted with blue and white signposts, because a ford on the walking route can be challenging.
Bar and water in Ponte Nure, water in Paderna Castle.

# Leg 18 - From Fiorenzuola to Fidenza
The last section on the plain provides the oppurtinity to admire two religeous buildings of great interest:
the Cistercian Abbey of Chiaravalle della Colomba including an interesting cloister and the Cathedral of Fidenza, a valuable example of Lombardy Romanesque style dedicated to San Donnino.
The walking route by the Stirone ford is easy.