The Via Sancti Martini

Saint Martin of Tours (modern-day Szombathely, Hungary, 316/317 – Candes, France, November 8, 397) is one of the most widely known Christian saints, venerated since the fourth century. The Saint’s life was a long pilgrimage through Europe, especially between Italy and France, where he was elected Bishop of Tours. In the Early Middle Ages, his tomb in Tours became a pilgrimage site as important as Rome, before turning into a famous stopping point for pilgrims heading to Compostela. His life has been narrated by numerous authors and collected in many volumes, which have contributed to spreading devotion to him among believers.

Thanks to his travels across Europe and the significant imprint left on the collective memory, in 2005 the Council of Europe designated the trail of approximately 2500 km, leading from Szombathely in Hungary (ancient Savaria, in what was then Pannonia, where he was born) to Tours (where his remains rest), as a «European Cultural Route». This itinerary connects not only the places of his birth and death but also touches other locations that witnessed his presence.

European Cultural and Spiritual Heritage

The itinerary of Saint Martin of Tours connects not only the European cities linked to his life, but also those characterized by the cultural heritage associated with his cult, including fourteen cathedrals. These sites also preserve a rich intangible heritage that survives in the form of legends, traditions and folklore.

A distinctive feature of the Route of Saint Martin is its “branching” structure, a requirement established since its recognition by the Council of Europe to promote the greater integration across territories. Indeed, the network is structured around several major routes that connect Europe around the hub of Tours. The main trail links his birthplace of Szombathely in Hungary to Candes-Saint Martin near Tours in France, the place of his death. Passing through Slovenia and Italy (including Venice, Padua, Vicenza, Verona, Brescia, Pavia, and Aosta), this itinerary became one of the earliest Christian pilgrimage sites.

Travelling today

Today, travellers can follow various trails linked to episodes of the Saint’s life, his cult or local folklore. This vast network of paths, extending for over 5000 km across Europe and touching more than ten countries, is known as the Via Sancti Martini.

Among the main routes, a key itinerary connects Szombathely (Hungary), his birthplace, to Tours (France), where his tomb is, passing through Pavia, the town of his childhood. Another major trail links Tours to Worms (Germany), where Martin left the Roman army, and Trier (Germany), where he met the emperor. This latter route is enriched by various cultural sites of great interest that cross Austria and Slovakia, before reconnecting back to Szombathely. Other important branches lead to Utrecht (the Netherlands), and Zaragoza (Spain).