A journey through three different countries – Germany, Austria, and Italy. The Via Romea Germanica is almost an ancient forerunner of the European Union. An early description of the route dates back to the 13th century, written in the Annals of the Stade Abbey of 1236, made by Abbot Alberto after a pilgrimage to Rome.

The work, a dialogue between friars discussing the best ways to go to Rome, provides details and distances of the Way and information about travelling through the states of that era.
The route goes through a number of places significant to Christianity. From Augsburg, where the schism of 1517 was defined in Trento, city of the Counter-Reformation; from Padua, indissolubly linked to St. Anthony, to the then Byzantine orthodox Ravenna. Finally to Rome, seat of the Papal throne.

The website provides detailed information on the itinerary not only for the Italian sections, but also for those in Germany and Austria. Access the “Ospitali” – facilities for welcoming pilgrims – through ‘credentials’ specially issued to travellers by the Via Romea Germanica Association.