"Per la Via Francigena" Vintage Car Rally

A vintage car rally along the Via Francigena

The "Per la Via Francigena" Rally is a historic motoring event that brings the town of Castelfiorentino, in the Province of Florence, to life every year at the end of May. The event is organized by CAMET (Club Auto e Moto d'Epoca Toscano), based in Florence, together with the Amici di Castello Association and under the patronage of the Municipality of Castelfiorentino. The name pays homage to the ancient Via Francigena pilgrimage route, which once crossed these lands, connecting Northern Europe to Rome.

The cars and the gathering in Piazza Gramsci

The day kicks off early in Piazza Antonio Gramsci, where vintage cars are displayed, immediately drawing the attention of enthusiasts and curious onlookers. Typically, around thirty historic vehicles, carefully preserved or restored, represent decades of Italian and international automotive history. Crew registration takes place near the square before the tour begins.

A scenic tour through the Valdelsa hills

The heart of the event is the scenic tour through the hilly landscape between the Valdelsa and Chianti regions. The route touches some of the most evocative spots in the area: Certaldo, the birthplace of Giovanni Boccaccio, Sciano, Petrognano with the famous dome of San Michele a Semifonte, and Vico d'Elsa, before returning to Castelfiorentino. A stop is planned in Semifonte for a visit, while a driving skill test, valid for the CAMET Social Championship, takes place in the Zambra area.

Skill tests and the CAMET Social Championship

The rally is more than just a parade of beautiful automobiles: the skill test included in the route is valid for the CAMET Social Championship and is divided into categories for cars with programmable and non-programmable instrumentation. It is a way to combine a passion for collecting with a touch of friendly competition among the crews.

Conviviality and awards

The event concludes with a convivial lunch at a local restaurant, where the awards ceremony for the crews takes place. It is an opportunity for enthusiasts to exchange experiences and strengthen the sense of community that has always characterized the Tuscan historic motoring world. For those visiting Castelfiorentino, the rally is also an excellent excuse to discover the historic center, the Sanctuary of Santa Verdiana, and the beauty of the Florentine Valdelsa.