Tag: Explore Steps

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.

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.

 

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.

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 ?

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    Via Francigena: Bolsena to Montefiascone

    • Start
      Bolsena, Basilica Santa Cristina
    • Finishing line
      Montefiascone, Torre del Pellegrino
    • Length
      14 km
    • Difficulty
      Average
    • How to get
      Autolinee Cotral (20 minutes)
    Via Francigena Montefiascone

    Francigena from Bolsena to Montefiascone

    Via Francigena Stage 39th : from Bolsena to Montefiascone

    A short and pleasant stop but with a high difference in height. You start heading to the Tascionara spring, from where you can enjoy a last beautiful view of Lake Bolsena and its Bisentina and Martana islands.

    The road then meets the Natural Archaeological Park of Turona, of which we recommend a visit.

    After the Fosso d’Arlena we find ourselves near the modern Via Cassia.

    Attention to traffic! Then you take a dirt road and climb towards Montefiascone.

    You meet in order the Church of the Madonna delle Grazie, the Basilica of San Flaviano then you enter the historic center and climb to the Rocca.

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    Interest Point

    • Parco Archeologico Naturalistico di Turona
    • Montefiascone, Basilica di San Flaviano
    • Montefiascone, Cattedrale di Santa Margherita
    • Montefiascone, Rocca dei Papi
    Walking on Francigena step from Bolsena to Montefiascone

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