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Vetralla, the step 42th from the via Francigena

Vetralla step 42th

Vetralla is the step 42th from the via Francigena.

This smaller town boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. It’s spanning several millennia, from the Etruscan civilization to modern times.

Vetralla’s origins trace back to the Etruscan civilization, a dominant culture in central Italy before Rome’s ascendancy. The Etruscans are renowned for their sophisticated culture, which significantly influenced Roman society. Archaeological discoveries in Vetralla, including tombs and artifacts, highlight the Etruscan presence and their advanced way of life.

 

Following the decline of the Etruscans,

Vetralla became part of the Roman Empire. Its strategic position along the Via Cassia, a crucial Roman road connecting Rome to northern Italy, enhanced its prominence. Numerous Roman remnants, such as roads and structures, have been unearthed in and around Vetralla, attesting to its importance during the Roman period.

After the Roman Empire’s fall, Vetralla underwent periods of instability and control by various powers, including the Lombards and the Franks. This era saw the village being fortified to defend against invasions.

In the Middle Ages, Vetralla became part of the Papal States. It played a significant role in the regional politics and conflicts, particularly the power struggles between the papacy and the Holy Roman Empire. The village’s medieval churches and buildings from this period, such as the San Francesco Church, reflect its historical and architectural heritage.

During the Renaissance, Vetralla flourished culturally and economically. Its proximity to Rome made it a hub for agriculture and trade. The architectural beauty of this era is still visible in buildings like the Palazzo Comunale.

 

In the 19th century, Vetralla was incorporated into the newly unified Kingdom of Italy,

along with the rest of the Papal States. This period brought modernization and infrastructure development. Vetralla also had a role in both World Wars, with many of its residents participating in the conflicts.

Today, Vetralla is celebrated for its historical and cultural heritage. Its well-preserved medieval center, ancient churches, and scenic countryside draw visitors. The local economy thrives on agriculture, notably olive oil and wine production, and tourism.

Hotel Rex

Hotei Rex

Hotel Rex is a  three-star hotel located in the heart of Lucca, a short walk from the historic center and the main train station.

For its friendly staff, excellent location and thoughtful services, Hotel Rex is a good choice for anyone visiting Lucca and beyond.

Whether you’re traveling with your family, exploring the old town or walking on the Via Francigena, you’ll find everything you need.

All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, refrigerator and private bathroom with shower and hairdryer.

The hotel has a rich breakfast buffet with sweet and savory options and offers special amenities for children, such as cribs, mini hair dryer, bottle warmers and toys.

For travellers on the Via Francigena, the Rex Hotel offers a cosy and relaxing break and offers all the necessary amenities to recharge before continuing your journey.

 

A new project to help you make the most of your Via Francigena trip.

walkingonfrancigena

We’re excited to share with you a new project we’re working on to help you make the most of your Via Francigena trip.

As you know, finding the right accommodation can be a big part of planning any trip. But when it comes to the Via Francigena, with its many different stages and towns, it can be especially challenging.

We’re italian specialist of the via Francigena

and that’s why we’re creating a series of videos that will showcase some accommodation options along the route.

 

Here is the link

 https://www.youtube.com/@walkingonfrancigenastaff2956

In these videos, we’ll take you inside some of the most popular hotels, hostels, and B&Bs, so you can see what they’re like and decide which ones are right for you.

 

Why we’re making these videos

We organize holiday in the nature on the Via Francigena in Italy from Lucca To Rome and now we’re making these videos for a few reasons.

First, we want to help you make informed decisions about your accommodation. We know that there are a lot of different options out there, and it can be hard to know which ones are the best.

Second, we want to show you the variety of accommodation that’s available along the Via Francigena. There’s something for everyone, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels.

Third, we want to give you a taste of the warm hospitality that you can expect from the people who run the accommodation along the Via Francigena.

 

What you can expect from the videos

In each video, we’ll give you a tour of the accommodation, including the rooms, the common areas, and the amenities. If is possible we’ll also talk to the owners or managers about what makes their place unique.

 

How to use these videos

We hope that these videos will be a valuable resource for you as you plan your Via Francigena pilgrimage. We encourage you to watch them all to get a sense of the different accommodation options that are available.

And once you’ve watched a few videos, you can start to narrow down your choices and find the perfect place to stay.

 

Depandance San Martino

Dependance san martino

Depandance San Martino, located in the heart of Lucca’s historic center.

This accommodation offers a blend of comfort and convenience, making it an good choice for travelers and is situated just a few minutes’ walk from the main train station. Depandance San Martino is part of the Albergo San Martino offers easy access to Lucca’s main attractions, including the Duomo and the Guinigi Tower.
The Gunigi’ Tower is one of Lucca’s most iconic landmarks, this medieval tower is topped with a rooftop garden of oak trees, offering panoramic views of the city

The rooms in the Depandance are well-appointed with modern amenities, including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a mini-fridge, and private bathrooms with showers and hairdryers and offers a variety of room types, including single, double, triple, and family rooms, to accommodate different needs.
.
A rich breakfast buffet is served daily, featuring local products and a mix of sweet and savory options to suit all tastes.

The friendly and attentive staff are dedicated to making your stay enjoyable and memorable. Whether you’re visiting Lucca for a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or as part of your journey on the Via Francigena, the Depandance San Martino offers a delightful and convenient place to stay.

Why should you use Walking on Francigena channels and the website ?

Why should you use Walking on Francigena

Why should you use Walking on Francigena channels and the website?

There are many benefits to using the Walking on Francigena channel to find accommodation for your Via Francigena pilgrimage. Here are just a few:

The videos on the youtube channel and social of Walking on Francigena are created by people who have walked on the Via Francigena for over 10 years offering services and tips

See the accommodations before you book on Walking on Francigena website ( this is the link ) The videos give you a little video tour of the accommodations so you can see what they are like before you book. This can help you avoid any surprises when you arrive.

Get help finding accommodations that meet your needs. on Walking on Francigena site you you find accommodations that meet your specific needs.

For example, if you are on a budget, you can find accommodations that are affordable. If you are looking for a luxurious experience, you can find accommodations that fit the bill.

How to Use the Channel

To use the Walking on Francigena channels to find accommodation for your Via Francigena holiday, simply browse the videos and find the ones that are most relevant to your needs.

After you have watched a few videos, you should be in a good position to start booking your accommodation.( here is videos to see )

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips for finding accommodation for your Via Francigena pilgrimage:

Book whit us your accommodation in advance. The Via Francigena is a popular pilgrimage route, and accommodation can fill up quickly, especially during the peak season.
Be flexible with your dates. If you are flexible with your dates, you may be able to find better deals on accommodation.

I hope this helps!

Albergo Ristorante Benigni

The Albergo Ristorante Benigni

The Albergo Ristorante Benigni is a charming hotel and restaurant located in Campagnano di Roma and offers a delightful blend of comfort and Italian hospitality. The hotel features well-appointed rooms that provide a cozy and relaxing atmosphere for guests. Each room is equipped with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.

The restaurant at Albergo Ristorante Benigni is renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine. Guests can savor a variety of traditional dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. The menu showcases the rich culinary heritage of the region, with an emphasis on seasonal specialties and homemade pasta. The warm and inviting ambiance of the restaurant makes it an ideal place for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings.

In addition to its excellent accommodations and dining options, Albergo Ristorante Benigni offers a range of services to enhance the guest experience. The friendly and attentive staff are always on hand to assist with any needs, ensuring that every stay is enjoyable and memorable. The hotel’s location in Campagnano di Roma provides easy access to the natural beauty and historical sites of the area, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking to explore the Lazio region.

Tordelli Lucchesi

tordelli alla lucchese

Tordelli Lucchesi is one of the most famous traditional dishes from Lucca.

 

These half-moon-shaped pasta parcels are filled with a mixture of stale Tuscan bread (without salt), minced beef and pork, Swiss chard, and spices.

tordelli alla luccheseHere’s how you can make them:

Ingredients:

200g stale Tuscan bread (without salt) , 200g minced bee200g minced pork, 200g Swiss chard (cooked and chopped), 1 egg, Nutmeg (to taste), Salt and pepper (to taste), Olive oil, Grated Parmesan cheese

 

 

Instructions:

 Soak the stale bread in water, then squeeze out excess moisture.

In a bowl, mix the minced beef, minced pork, Swiss chard, soaked bread, egg, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Roll out the pasta dough (made from flour and water) into thin sheets.

Cut out circles (about 10cm in diameter) from the pasta sheets.

Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle.Fold the circle in half, creating a half-moon shape, and seal the edges.

Cook the tordelli in boiling salted water until they float to the surface (about 3-4 minutes).

Drain and serve with a drizzle of olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese.

 

Enjoy your Tordelli Lucchesi! They’re a delightful taste of Tuscany’s culinary heritage

Piazza dell’Anfiteatro in Lucca,

Piazza dell’Anfiteatro in Lucca, Italy, is a charming square located in the heart of the city. Its elliptical shape follows the outline of the ancient Roman amphitheater that once stood here.

In the 19th century, architect Lorenzo Nottolini undertook a project to clear the inner area of the piazza, restoring it to its current open form.

Today, the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is a vibrant hub surrounded by colorful buildings, housing outdoor cafes, restaurants, shops, and hosting various cultural events and festivals throughout the year​

It’s a must-visit spot for soaking up Lucca’s unique atmosphere!

Now, for a bit of gossip: locals say that the central tile of the square holds a secret message, but no one knows for sure what it is! 😉

San Luca Palace Hotel

San Luca Palace Hotel

San Luca Palace Hotel in Lucca, Italy, is a luxurious accommodation set within a historic building dating back to 1540. Located on Via San Paolino, the hotel is situated at the entrance of Lucca’s historic center, offering easy access to the city’s cultural and artistic attractions​.

Since its opening in 2007, the San Luca Palace Hotel has been recognized for its excellent hospitality, combining traditional Italian architecture with modern comforts. The hotel features 26 rooms and suites, including three suites, 17 junior suites, deluxe, and superior rooms, all designed to provide a high level of comfort

Guests can enjoy a variety of services, such as a breakfast buffet served in the “Marchese Adalberto” room or directly in their rooms, which can also include snacks and light meals. The hotel also offers accessibility features for guests with disabilities.

The Via Francigena a Path Steeped in History

pilgrim route

The Via Francigena beautifully captures the essence of history and culture. The Via Francigena, in fact, is more than a simple journey; it is a tapestry of human history, woven with threads of faith, of culture, of search for meaning. It was a bridge between nations and a testimony to Europe’s common spiritual heritage.

The journey of Sigerico il Serio testifies francigenato the meaning of the journey, marking a pilgrimage undertaken by countless souls over the centuries. The pallium, received at the height of this journey, is not only a garment but a symbol charged with deep ecclesiastical significance. It represents a commitment to guide the faithful and a bond with the founding rock of the Church.

The Via Francigena continues to be a beacon for those seeking spiritual enrichment, historical exploration, or simply the challenge of travel. His legacy endures, inviting modern pilgrims to walk in the footsteps of their ancestors, discovering along the way the timeless ties that unite different cultures under a common human experience. Thank you for sharing your ideas on this extraordinary pilgrimage route. 🛤️✨Discovery via Francigena a path steeped in history

Albergo Celide in Lucca

The Albergo Celide is a 4-star hotel located in Lucca.

It sits right in front of the ancient city walls, making it convenient for exploring the historical town on foot or by bike.

The hotel offers comfortable, air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking, and complimentary bike rentals.

Hotel Celide has a wellness center inside.

It’s open by reservation and offers quality relaxation, including a sauna with benefits like muscle relaxation and immune system support.

 

Inferno Waterfalls

Inferno Waterfalls

Walking inside the Sorbo park you will find the Mola di Formello, the Inferno waterfalls.
A small suggestive waterfall inside a beautiful natural park.

Enjoy your walk

 

Sorbo Park

Sorbo Park

Walking from Campagnano di Roma to Isola Farnese, before Formello, you will find the Sorbo Park.
We recommend that you make a small detour.
When you arrive at the workart “Dialogo Infinito”, turn right and walk along the path that takes you to the Mola di Formello, the Hell Waterfall
It is a small detour that will remain in your heart
Dialogo Infinito - Giancarlo Neri's workart

“Dialogo Infinito” invites the traveler to get in touch with the other.

Enjoy your walk

 

Madonna del Sorbo Sanctuary

Madonna del Sorbo Sanctuary

The Madonna del Sorbo Sanctuary is located on the top of a well defended cliff in the Sorbo valleys, on the border between the municipalities of Campagnano and Formello.
The place was inhabited since the Middle Ages, but the first records date back to 996 when it is mentioned as “castellum”
During the XI-XIV centuries the castle belonged first to the Monastery of S. Paolo and then to the Orsini family.
However, in 1427 it was already abandoned, and it was then that Martin V allowed the Friars of Carmel to erect a monastery, near the primitive church dedicated to Beatae Mariae Castri Sorbi, which became a pilgrimage sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna.
Sanctuary Entrance
According to a legend, a young shepherd from Formello brought his pigs to graze in this area.
One day a pig wandered off and came back later.
This was repeated in the following days, until the boy decided to follow the pig.
He thus discovered that the animal came near a large rowan tree and knelt at its base in an attitude of prayer.
Looking into the branches of the tree, the boy noticed that an icon of the Madonna was hidden among its branches.
The Virgin spoke to the boy saying to go to the village to tell what she had seen, and to ask that a sanctuary be built on the place of the discovery. Our Lady also promised a miracle that occurred: the young shepherd slipped his broken arm into a pocket and pulled it out again with a hand. Thus the sanctuary was built and the image, still venerated today, was kept inside.

Climb the hill and visit Madonna del Sorbo Sanctuary

Explore Step 28

Explore Step 28

Let’s start from a concept: the steps that arrive or depart from big cities are never the preferred ones, cause they are too much “paved”.
So, the step we are talking about, is not in the top 10 of walkers’ preferences, but it is still walked from many of you because Lucca is a splendid city, and many people decide to start their journey from here.
The train arrives there, and more
If you land in Pisa it is very easy to get to Lucca, it takes about 30 minutes, either by train or by cab.
Start from the historic center, inside the walls, but right in the center of the walls, from the church of San Michele in Foro
Behind the church is Via Roma, which continues to become Via di Santa Croce and then Via Elisa.
Shops, bakeries, cafes and restaurants, as you walk you will find everything, and here comes Porta Elisa, the door that takes you out of the walls of Lucca.

San Michele al Foro - Starting Point of the step 28
Via Romana, outside Lucca

The gardens on the sides, the canal, the roundabout and go straight on along Via Luigi Cadorna
At the next roundabout turn left to Via di Tiglio which immediately turns right and becomes Via Romana
Via Romana, (or SP61) is the road that actually accompanies the Via Francigena for a long stretch, until after Altopascio.
Walk along the Via Romana until you meet, on the right, a small crypt with a fresco of the Madonna.
Take Via Paladini on the right and continue, the road becomes Via Vecchia Romana.
You will pass in front (on your left) the Antraccoli Cemetery (with the Lourdes Little grave inside) and the church of San Michele Arcangelo
Be careful when you have to cross Via della Madonnina and then Via Romana, which are very busy provincial roads.
After crossing Via Romana on your right you will meet the Capannori Cemetery and continue on Via dell’Immagine Farnocchia, until you find Via Carlo Ghello on the left.
Here you will find the Relax point of the stage, in a garden with swings for children you will also find a nice table and benches to rest, if you need them.

Continue on Via Carlo Piaggia, and after a few meters you will find the Pieve di San Quirico and Giulitta on the right.
Cross Via Romana again and continue straight until you find Via del Popolo on your right which takes you to Via dei Colombini
Finally you get out of the buildings 😀 and start walking in countryside, still asphalt, but countryside😅
Shortly after, turn left to Via del Fontana and go all the way down to Via Pieraccini, where you turn right.
Continue until you arrive on the SP61, be very careful that here the cars run a lot, you have to turn left, immediately cross the pedestrian crossing and continue on Via dei Salanetti.
Now you are in an industrial area, pay attention to the trucks, which are many here.
At the roundabout, turn right to Via Ciarpi and continue until you find Via Pacconi on the right.
Follow it to the end and you will turn left to Via del Centenario

Pieve San Quirico e Giuditta
Via Romana

At the roundabout you will turn right to Via Roma, which will become Via Romana Est up to Via Serchio.
You will cross the SP61 strips again and you will have the Pam Supermarket in front of you
After the supermarket here, on the right, the first dirt road 😍 and after the cemetery here is Badia Pozzeveri
Continuing on the path until you continue in front of you on Via Catalani (again asphalt 😕) until, for the umpteenth time you are on the SP61, and turning right towards the level crossing of Altopascio.
A few meters after the level crossing there is the Church of San Jacopo Maggiore

You have covered 18.5km and you have reached your destination
Now go rest and get ready for dinner
Do you want to know where to sleep and where to dinner ?

Follow our Blog, we will also talk about this

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