Via Francigena Pilgrim Identifier

Saikiki · Jul 31, 2019

Hi Guys!

Where can you buy crossed keys/pilgrim patch or brooch? I would love to have it from the beginning of my walk and was wondering if any cathedrals or tourist offices sell them. I'm visiting Lucca but I'm starting my walk from Altopascio and ending in Monteriggioni. Thanks!

P.S. leaving in 3 weeks - SOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!

timr · Jul 31, 2019

@Saikiki Welcome!
Not sure what country you are in. If in UK, the Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome.

– Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome

Enjoy your experience.

Saikiki · Jul 31, 2019

timr said:
@Saikiki Welcome!
Not sure what country you are in. If in UK, the Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome.

– Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome
Enjoy your experience.

I'm in the US and flying into Pisa and from there taking the train to Lucca. I know that the tourist office or churches will be selling the credentials but I didn't know if they were also selling the patches/brooches, etc...

timr · Jul 31, 2019

Saikiki said:
I'm in the US and flying into Pisa and from there taking the train to Lucca. I know that the tourist office or churches will be selling the credentials but I didn't know if they were also selling the patches/brooches, etc...

I don't know either! But I rather doubt that the tourist office or cathedral will have brooches or patches. I have never seen any. Even in Lucca, and other Tuscan cities, the absolute number of walkers on the VF is quite small compared, say, to the Camino in Spain.
I just looked on CPR site and it is giving £3 for the badge and £5.45 for shipping to US. £8.45 is $10.28
You can decide!

DLJ · Aug 1, 2019

My wife and I went on Etsy.com and bought a couple of large antique keys. I think the Via Francigena Assoc. now has a patch.

Slow guy · Aug 1, 2019

As Tim mentioned, I got a nice patch and credential from the CPR. I sewed the patch on and the few pilgrims I saw were jealous

debra · Aug 1, 2019

In the USA I bought a reproduction of a medieval pewter badge of the crossed keys that I sewed to my bag.

Both the key on the left and the key with sword are reproductions of pilgrim badges for Rome. If you would like more information I can post more information on how I got them.

I have been unable to sew the embroidered patches onto this bag (bent 10 needles trying) which I do take my pilgrimages by bicycle.

trecile · Aug 1, 2019

debra said:
In the USA I bought a reproduction of a medieval pewter badge of the crossed keys that I sewed to my bag.

Both the key on the left and the key with sword are reproductions of pilgrim badges for Rome. If you would like more information I can post more information on how I got them.

I have been unable to sew the embroidered patches onto this bag (bent 10 needles trying) which I do take my pilgrimages by bicycle.

Two words - fabric glue

debra · Aug 1, 2019

trecile said:
Two words - fabric glue

At this point I am happy with the metal one and my bag doesn’t leek in the rain with them, so I am good.
I can also remove them.

Harington · Aug 1, 2019

timr said:
@Saikiki Welcome!
Not sure what country you are in. If in UK, the Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome.

– Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome
Enjoy your experience.

Not only in the UK! if you got to https://pilgrimstorome.org.uk/shop/ you can buy a 6cm diameter self-adhesive cloth badge, and a 6cm enamel one.

Tassie Kaz · Aug 2, 2019

Saikiki said:
Hi Guys!

Where can you buy crossed keys/pilgrim patch or brooch? I would love to have it from the beginning of my walk and was wondering if any cathedrals or tourist offices sell them. I'm visiting Lucca but I'm starting my walk from Altopascio and ending in Monteriggioni. Thanks!

P.S. leaving in 3 weeks - SOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!

Good for you!
I made my own VF identifier...see pic.
Two keys & a piece of red felt (all from the local craft supply shop)...a few stitches later & voila! Total cost approx AUD$3.00
I will say I only saw the crossed key symbol once throughout the entire VF (London to Rome..2100+km). Also only one other pilgrim carried the key symbol, their's was homemade too.
By far & away, the recognised symbol of the VF is the robed figure, not the crossed keys.
Happy & safe trails to you.