The Via Lauretana

The via Lauretana is the ancient Etrusco-Roman road connecting Cortona to Montepulciano and Siena. Long ago, like many similar roads, it was widened by the Romans and built to join Cortona to other Etruscan cities on the coast. Over the centuries it has been travelled by pilgrims from the via Francigena, heading for the Holy Family’s House at Loreto.
It is a much-travelled road that, during the fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, branched off the Via Francigena from Siena, passing through Asciano, Sinalunga, Torrita di Siena and Montepulciano to reach Valiano castle and then Cortona.
From Cortona it continued, skirting Lake Trasimeno, through Passignano, then Perugia, to Foligno in Umbria. From there it crossed the Umbria-Marche Appenines to reach its goal: the Holy Family’s House at Loreto.
The Via Lauretana is not just a path: it is one of the oldest and loveliest spiritual journeys in Italy. A journey through countryside rich in art, archaeology and expressions of devotion, ideal for those who love walks with a cultural aspect. The route allows pilgrims to immerse themselves in beautiful scenery of gentle hills and broad plains and spend time in villages and towns full of art and history.

FIRST STAGE
Siena to Vescona

SECOND STAGE
Vescona to Serre di Rapolano

THIRD STAGE
Serre di Rapolano to Sinalunga