The walks in the framework of the HIKE project officially start in September 2024 with a rich calendar of free sports and cultural activities open to everyone along the Southern stretch of the Via Francigena in Italian Puglia, between Bari and Brindisi. The programme is divided into two weekends dedicated to outdoor sports:
- 12-15 September 2024 between Bari and Monopoli
- 27-29 September 2024 between Torre Canne (Fasano) and Brindisi
All the activities are free of charge upon registration via this link
The events start on Thursday, 12 September at the University of Bari with a workshop dedicated to physical preparation with the participation of experts on hiking, training and nutritions. On 13 September, we start walking from Bari to Mola di Bari (10 km), one of the most scenic stretches of the Southern Via Francigena. Upon arrival, we will have a yoga class next to the Castello Angioino or alternatively, the participants might enjoy a guided tour to discover the Castle. The events continue on 14 September along the 16 km stretch from Mola di Bari to Polignano a Mare, where there will be a cultural visit to the Museum and Foundation of Pino Pascali. We will conclude the first HIKE weekend on Sunday, September 15, walking the Polignano a Mare – Monopoli stage: 12 km of beauty overlooking the sea with an intermediate stop at Torre Incina for a swim and a demonstration of sport fishing in Monopoli.
The second HIKE weekend in Puglia will begin on Friday, 27 September with an 18 km electric bicycle ride from Torre Canne (Fasano) to Ostuni via a cultural visit in the archaeological park of Santa Maria di Agnano. The next day, we meet in Torre Santa Sabina to walk to Torre Guaceto with a stop at the Marine Turtle Recovery Center. Upon arrival, we will explore the area of this natural reserve, have a refreshing swim in the sea and try out snorkeling (a fee-paying activity). We will conclude the weekend on Sunday, 29 September, walking the stage that connects Punta del Serrone to Brindisi, where, on the occasion of the European Week of Sport, numerous recreational and cultural activities are planned, such as a muscle warm-up sessions and a kayak trial, before reaching the Accademia degli Erranti for a workshop dedicated to safety during hikes.
These activities wouldn’t be possible without the participation of the European Association of Via Francigena, the Puglia Region, the University of Bari, CAI Viterbo and the Municipalities of Bari, Mola di Bari, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Fasano, Ostuni, Carovigno and Brindisi, and the association and Associazione Brindisi e le Antiche Strade.
The HIKE walks will then continue in October with a series of events in Greece along the Via Egnatia and in November in Türkiye to discover the Tolerance Way. For all updates, please consult the websites of the partners Paths of Greece and Culture Routes Society.
[Credits: viefrancigene.org]