Montefiascone to Rome

Montefiascone is a good place to begin walking the Via Francigena pilgrimage because it is located 100 km from the tomb of St Peter in Rome. The first day is spent travelling to Montefiascone. Then enjoy all the places there are to see in the afternoon and evening. Especially enjoyable is the Est!Est!Est! wine and discovering how it got its name! Go to our ‘Montefiascone and the Via Francigena’ post to discover some of the amazing places to see!

Via Francigena Stage 40 is an easy 17.5 km walk mostly along unsealed roads surrounded by open fields with distant panoramas. It is downhill for the first 6km through olive groves and beautiful landscape. The highlight is walking along well-preserved Via Cassia Antica paving stones. Then there are the ancient thermal springs of Bagnaccio with a bar, Pilgrim Passport stamp and maybe a swim. The final stretch to Viterbo is along unsealed roads through open fields with distant panoramas of the Cimini Mountains. Enter the city of Viterbo through Porta Fiorentina and be amazed by the enormous city walls!

Viterbo to Vetralla is a walk of average difficulty introduced in 2023 as an alternative to the previous route undergoing repairs. It is mostly along minor unsealed roads and gravel paths through open fields and forests. San Martino al Cimino and Tre Croci are two interesting small historic towns with bars for rest stops. Just before Vetralla visit the ruins of the medieval Church of Santa Maria di Forcassi. This area was the 5th place, Furcari, where Sigeric stayed in 990 AD. Then there are many places of historic significance in Vetralla, especially the Church of San Francesco.

It is a 24 km walk of average in difficulty from Vetralla to Sutri mostly through orchards, forests and minor roads. Highlights include the ancient medieval towns, Vetralla, Capranica and Sutri. Then there are interesting walks through oak forests, orchards, hazelnut groves, and a trail beside a swiftly flowing river. Sutri itself is a highlight with many amazing features in Parco Naturale Regionale like the Etruscan necropolis, ancient Roman amphitheatre and a frescoed mithraeum. Then enjoy the narrow streets, palaces and churches in the hilltop town.

The walk from Sutri to Campagnano di Roma is average in difficulty mostly along unsealed roads and forest trails. It begins near the Roman amphitheatre and continues along unsealed roads to Monterosi for a rest break (10 km). The highlight is Monte Gelato Cascades with a rest break at the cascades (17 km). After that, follow minor roads and forest trails to Campagnano di Roma. There is a steep, but spectacular walk at the end with a pleasant arrival into the historic medieval city.

This 23 km walk is average in difficulty mostly along minor roads and forest trails. The panoramic mountain views of the Roman countryside are a feature of the walk. Two highlights are the visit to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sorbo and the historic town, Formello. Then there is a walk through Veii Park with many archaeological Etruscan excavations. Finally, there is a short stretch along Via Cassia to the Piazza della Visione where St Ignatius had his vision.

Stage 45 from La Storta to Roma is a 19 km walk of average difficulty with a variety of walking surfaces and undulations. It begins with a 5km walk along Via Cassia with bars for rest stops. Then there is a 5 km walk through Insugherata Park on the outskirts of Rome. Monte Mario Park is closed, so there is an alternative 9 km walk from Monte Mario Alto. It continues along bicycle paths with panoramic views of Rome. Then the joy of arriving at St Peter’s Basilica and your pilgrim Testimonium!