After leaving San Miniato, the path winds along dirt roads dotted with rows of cypress trees and vineyards, with vistas encompassing the Tuscan countryside. The route follows dirt paths through an area rich in parish churches and abbeys, where the atmosphere seems to resist the passing of time. Among the places of worship that tell of Archbishop Sigeric’s passage are the Parish Church in Coiano, now in a state of ruin, and the Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Chianni in Chianni, the latter near the point of arrival in Gambassi Terme. A little further from the route is the San Vivaldo Complex in Montaione, reproducing the topography of Jerusalem and simulating the experience of taking a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. At over 15 miles (24 kilometers), this stage is relatively challenging, with a few stops for refreshments available in Calenzano and near the Parish Church in Coiano.

The Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Chianni is one of the most significant places of worship along the Via Francigena route. Located in the Gambassi Terme area, this Romanesque church dates back to the 12ᵗʰ century and features a simple but elegant façade, characterized by a central rose window and stone portal. Inside, the parish safeguards valuable frescoes, including some works depicting biblical scenes.

The Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta is also an important pilgrimage landmark, with a location that renders this site an ideal stop for those traveling the Via Francigena. The church is likewise a place of great tranquility and spirituality, ideal for a moment of reflection along your journey.

The San Vivaldo Complex, known as the “Jerusalem of Tuscany,” is a unique site that recalls the experience of pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Located in Montaione, this monastic complex was founded in the 15ᵗʰ century and reproduces the holy places of Jerusalem on a reduced scale. The site includes numerous chapels and buildings representing the main places of worship in Jerusalem, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. San Vivaldo is a place of great historical and spiritual interest, where pilgrims can be immersed in an experience that combines religiosity and architecture. Surrounded by unspoiled nature, the Complex also offers spectacular views of the Tuscan countryside, rendering this an unmissable stop for those tackling the Via Francigena.

Gambassi Terme is a Tuscan town famous for its thermal waters and its historical and cultural heritage. Located among the hills of the Val d’Elsa, the town has been known since ancient times for its hot springs, which remain one of the main attractions of this place. Gambassi Terme is similarly rich in history, with its town preserving medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the Church of Cristo Re, which marks your arrival along the Via Francigena. In addition to its thermal waters, Gambassi is famous for its tradition of artisan glassware, representing an important economic and cultural resource for the town. Gambassi Terme is an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation, history and culture in an unspoiled natural environment.

The Permanent Glass Exhibition in Gambassi Terme is one of the town’s main cultural attractions, celebrating the ancient tradition of glassmaking that has rendered the Tuscan territory famous. Housed in a dedicated building, the exhibition tells the story of glass from traditional production techniques to more recent developments through a collection of works and objects made by local master glassmakers. Visiting the exhibition, you can admire artistically decorated glassware, chandeliers, vases and other design objects that testify to the craftsmanship of Gambassi’s artisans. The museum not only recounts the story of glass but also offers the opportunity to observe the manufacturing processes, giving visitors a comprehensive overview of this ancient art that still lives on in the local workshops.