What is the Credenziale?

The Credenziale del Pellegrino (Pilgrim's Credential) is a small folded card or booklet — similar in principle to the Camino de Santiago's Credencial — that serves as your official document on the Via Francigena.

It has two main functions:

  • Access to pilgrim accommodation — most ospitali (pilgrim hostels) along the Italian section require a valid, stamped Credenziale before they'll give you a bed
  • Proof of pilgrimage — on arrival in Rome, you present your stamped Credenziale to receive the Testimonium (certificate of completion)

You collect stamps (timbri) as you walk — at churches, town halls, pilgrim hostels, tourist offices, bars, and even some shops. Each stamp records your presence at that place on that date.

Where to Get One

Canterbury Cathedral (recommended for UK walkers)

The most fitting place to start. The Cathedral's visitor centre issues Credenziali to pilgrims about to walk the Via Francigena. It's free (small donation appreciated) and you'll get your first stamp at the same time.

Opening hours: The Cathedral is open daily — check current times on the Canterbury Cathedral website. The visitor centre is open during normal Cathedral hours.

Address: The Precincts, Canterbury CT1 2EH

The Via Francigena Association (AEVF)

The official association that maintains the route issues Credenziali by post and in person. You can order one from their website at viefrancigene.org before you travel — useful if you're joining the route at a point other than Canterbury.

Along the route

If you forget or want a second booklet (most pilgrims fill one per country), you can get a Credenziale at:

  • Major churches and cathedrals along the route (Reims Cathedral, many Italian duomos)
  • Pilgrim associations in larger towns
  • Some tourist information offices
  • Many ospitali will issue one if you arrive without

Getting It Stamped

Collect stamps as you go — at least one per day, ideally two or three. Good places to ask:

  • Churches (almost always willing, even if you need to find the sacristan)
  • Town halls (municipio / mairie)
  • Pilgrim hostels and B&Bs
  • Tourist information offices
  • Bars, cafés and restaurants — particularly in Italy, many keep a stamp specifically for pilgrims
  • Post offices
Ask in Italian: "Avete un timbro per i pellegrini?" (Do you have a stamp for pilgrims?) — the response is almost always warm and enthusiastic, even from people who've never heard of the Via Francigena.

Minimum stamps for the Testimonium

To claim the Testimonium in Rome, you need to demonstrate you've walked the route. The Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi (the office that issues the Testimonium) requires:

  • A Credenziale with stamps showing a continuous journey
  • At least the final section on foot (they don't specify a minimum distance, but stamps across multiple days are expected)
  • Most walkers doing the Italian section have no difficulty meeting the requirements

Claiming Your Testimonium in Rome

The Testimonium is your certificate of completion — a formal document (in Latin) confirming you walked the Via Francigena to Rome.

Where to go: Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi, Via della Conciliazione 34, Rome — a short walk west from St Peter's Square toward the Vatican.

What to bring: Your stamped Credenziale. They'll review it, ask a few questions about your journey, and issue the Testimonium on the spot.

Cost: Free, though a donation is customary.

Opening hours: Monday–Saturday, roughly 9am–1pm and 2pm–6pm. Check current hours before visiting as these change seasonally.

St Peter's first: Most pilgrims go to St Peter's Basilica on arrival before collecting the Testimonium. The sense of completing the pilgrimage at the Basilica itself — before the administrative certificate — feels right. There's no requirement to do it in any particular order.

Ready to start planning?

Read the complete beginner's guide for everything else you need to know before you set off.

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