Gallina: Via Francigena, Pilgrimage History and Festivals

You can plan your trip to Gallina around two specific themes: its historic pilgrimage history and its recurring festivals in May and August. If you are looking for a hotel in Gallina, these themes can help you decide what kind of trip you want to take.

Gallina on Historic Pilgrimage Routes

Gallina developed as a pilgrimage station where the Via Cassia and the old Via Francigena converged. Historically, the place was known as Osteria della Scala. Other documented stops in the history of pilgrimage include Le Briccole and La Scala near Gallina.

The Le Briccole estate complex lies near the Cassia, about one kilometre south of Gallina. It includes a small Romanesque church dedicated to San Pellegrino. An old hospice has been preserved on the estate alongside the church; Francis of Assisi stayed there overnight. Le Briccole is identified as Abricula, the eleventh stop in the travel account of Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury. The church, hospice, and its historical identification as a stop give the place several interconnected links to pilgrimage.

La Scala near Gallina was a Renaissance-era post station. Some of its agricultural buildings still show traces of former accommodation for travellers and pilgrims. Later travel accounts also mention La Scala: Casanova stayed there in 1770, and Charles Dickens described the place in his 1846 work “Pictures from Italy.” These two dates point to different historical travel connections, but do not imply that the former accommodation is still in use today.

Churches and Local History

Santa Maria dei Campi is Gallina’s reference church. It was built between the end of the 1960s and the first half of the 1970s. Its construction therefore took place considerably later than the Renaissance-era post station in La Scala. Together with the church dedicated to San Pellegrino at Le Briccole, it offers another way to explore the area’s history; details about opening hours or visiting the interiors today are not part of these historical descriptions.

Events in May and August

Valdorcia in Fiera takes place every year on the third Saturday and Sunday in May. It includes the traditional Passeggiata nel cuore della Valdorcia, a walk considered suitable for everyone. The route details may vary. The Sagra della pastasciutta valdorciana follows on the third weekend in August and lasts from morning until evening. The exact calendar dates of both events may vary, so plan around the event dates for the year in question.

At the Sagra, pasta is offered in various shapes and colours. Local producers make it using ingredients from the hills of the Val d’Orcia. The festival also includes a fresh pasta workshop, where children and adults can learn to make handmade pasta under instruction. The programme may vary. The two occasions therefore offer a clear distinction when choosing a time to visit: in May, the calendar features the Fiera and a walk; in August, the Sagra features pasta and a workshop.

Via Francigena: Stage and Access

Stage 36 of the Via Francigena, from San Quirico to Radicofani, is 32.5 kilometres long. Access to Gallina along the Via Francigena is via a route of about 4 to 5 kilometres on the Strada del Pozzo, offering a distinctive view over the valley. The stage length and the stated access route describe different sections of the journey.

At the Gallina station on this stage, water and cafés are available on the Via Cassia, about 500 metres from the route. Check route and service information before setting out. This lets you factor the stage’s total length, access to Gallina, and the location of the listed services into your plans separately.

Location within the Municipality

Gallina is part of the municipality of Castiglione d’Orcia. Its territory lies within the Parco della Valdorcia, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2 July 2004. This regional context complements the local pilgrimage stops and event dates without identifying Gallina itself as a separate UNESCO site.

Discover more destinations: Monticiano, Sarteano, Radicondoli, La Fratta, Colombaio, Presciano, Scrofiano, Casole D'elsa.

For the broader travel overview: Siena.