cammini

Cammini is the Italian plural of cammino, meaning paths, routes, or journeys walked on foot. The term is used to describe networks of long-distance footpaths, often with historical, religious, or cultural significance, that traverse landscapes, towns, and regions. Etymologically, cammino derives from the Italian verb camminare, to walk.

Historically, cammini have been associated with pilgrimages and religious routes, but in contemporary usage they are primarily seen as opportunities for cultural tourism and slow travel. They typically consist of a sequence of stages or daily walks, with waymarks, maps, and services such as lodging or food along the route. Local communities, tourism boards, and associations frequently maintain and promote these routes, linking heritage sites, landscapes, and local economies.

Cammini can form part of larger European networks and may be recognized as cultural routes or pilgrimage paths. They vary in length, difficulty, and terrain, spanning urban streets, rural trails, and mountain paths. While some routes are well established and officially managed, others exist as informal or evolving paths that communities preserve and expand.

Notable examples in Italy include long-distance routes such as the Via Francigena, a historic pilgrimage path that traverses northern Italy toward Rome. Other cammini focus on regional or saint-related itineraries, often highlighting towns, churches, and medieval landscapes. Across Europe, cammini connect to broader traditions of pilgrimage, hiking, and cultural heritage, attracting travelers interested in history, spirituality, and outdoor exploration.