A pilgrimage to Rome from the South
On the VIA FRANCIGENA DEL SUD or “IL CAMMINO PER ROMA” april 12th – 27th, 2011
The Roman VIA APPIA (Regina Viarum or Queen of all Roads) goes back to the 4th Century b.C. Apostles walked on it, emperors, and Popes, saints as S. Francis of Assisi and S. Thomas of Aquino, artists as Petrarca and Tasso and Goethe and some music composers. Along it are running the paths of the Via Francigena or Via dell’Angelo, used by pilgrims for 10 centuries but today altogether forgotten. Since 4 years we are striving to revive it, walking from beyond the banks of the river Garigliano to Rome (some 220 km in 16 days).
The itinerary is very interesting (Roman temples, cistercian Basilicas, monasteries and hermitages, on sandy beaches along the sea, on mountains, on the shores of 4 lakes, in natural parks, in thick woods and Mediterranean vegetation, through medieval villages, 20% on original Roman roads, 40% on mountain’s or country paths etc.). We make an effort to enjoy the cultural, spiritual and social values of the way, to remember the work of artists (Goethe’s “Italienische Reise” describes this route), to attend concerts of ancient local music composers. Above all we appreciate the company of our fellow pilgrims. We will take part of some ancient processions of the Holy Week.
At the arrival we will receive the “Testimonium” a recognition document from the Vatican.
In each place we will meet local communities. However, you can avoid any involvement and enjoy the time on your own.
On the negative side. Some 8 % of the way is on national roads with heavy traffic and 22% is on paved roads (but with limited traffic).
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We are:
a small “non profit” association (20 members) of friends expert in pilgrimages and resident along the pilgrim’s route.
Our objective
To re-establish (and sometimes reinvent) a path to go on foot from the south of Latium (CastelforteMinturno) to Rome. This ancient way was unused and forgotten for the last 100 years.
We make a special effort to develop the cultural/spiritual contents of the way. Collaboration from participants is welcome.
Some details
Stages of about 20 km/day. Emphasis given to cultural/spiritual aspects.
English spoken and elementary German.
We have a vehicle to transport one piece of luggage per participant from stage to stage and for assistance,
(cost 3€/day each) Insurance legally required in Italy for any group with a guide (2 €). Total 5 €.
Cost for night-accommodation and food is to be borne by each participant. We recommend and book, if required, convenient accommodation at each stage (double bedroom with showers at each location), (except in Rome). We estimate the cost of lodgings and evening meal to not exceed 45 € except in 3 locations in multibed hostels ( total 35 €)
The schedule
Sessa Aurunca-Castelforte april 12th, subsequent nights sleep in Minturno, Formia, Gaeta, Fondi, Terracina, Fossanova (Priverno), Sezze, Bassiano, Sermoneta (2 nights), Cori, Velletri, Castel Gandolfo to enter in Rome the evening of april 26th. General Audience by the Pope: april 27th.
Our guides pay for their own expenses.
Participation to only a part of the walk is not encouraged, but accepted for more than 4 stages.
To start you can reach Castelforte/Minturno by train from Rome (Termini station) plus a bus.
The walk is physically not very demanding, but some previous training is recommended.
Foreign pilgrims of the two past initiatives are prepared to answer your inquiries.
Whom to contact
Alberto Alberti largo Pepere 24 00151 Roma
tel. 065370765 3491648614 Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!
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PROGRAM OF THE "WALK TO ROME" 2011
April 12th Tuesday Sessa Aurunca - Castelforte (crossing of the river)
April 13th Wednesday Castelforte - Minturno
April 14 th Thursday Minturno - Formia
April 15th Friday Formia - Gaeta
April 16th Saturday Gaeta - Fondi
April 17th Sunday Fondi - Terracina
April 18th Monday Terracina - Fossanova
April 19th Tuesday Fossanova - Sezze
April 20th Wednesday Sezze - Bassiano
April 21st Thursday Bassiano - Sermoneta (night walk)
April 22nd Friday Good Friday Sermoneta (pause - evening in Sezze)
April 23rd Saturday Sermoneta - Cori
April 24th Sunday EASTER Cori - Velletri
April 25th Monday Velletri - Castelgandolfo
April 26th Tuesday Castelgandolfo - Roma
April 27th Wednesday Roma (welcome cerimonies)