Leaving Montefiascone at its highest pointA pleasant garden with great viewsThe lake Cathedral DomeThen we began a long and steep descentLooking BackCornflowersStunning coloursA Marian Shrine We soon came to the Roman basoli paved path which stretches almost unbroken for nearly 3 km. For two thousand years this has been the passage for kings, emperors, soldiers and merchants.
Look closely – soldier ants on the march bearing crops
All disappearing down the hole.
An impressive railway bridge. Where the district of Viterbo beginsA good thought and farewell
Relieved to come upon this picnic bench as there was nowhere to sit this morning and sadly that has been typical of our experiences so far on the Francigena. It is understandable that there are no cafes between towns and villages as there is no footfall except for pilgrims and the numbers would never be enough to support bars etc.However, some seating would be much appreciated- not all,of us like sitting on the floor and even that option is not always available- beware ants😅.
Jubilee year marker stone. Just after leaving this picnic spot I began to feel an ache in my right hip – nothing new but I suspect it was the aftermath of that Kilometre long descent.Although there was not a great deal,of distance to go on what had been an enjoyable walk so far,I felt increasingly uneasy as there is still a week’s walking to do,notwithstanding the rest day tomorrow in Viterbo. After a few minutes we came across a main road and to my relief there was a bus stop – a pleasant young man was waiting there and he assured me that a bus for Viterbo was due. We always said “ The Camino Provides”. As I boarded, I went to offer my credit card but the driver waved me through! It was a long walk from the bus station up to the old town.Turning right after entering the Porto Romano, I followed the phone’s directions for some time – it was quite complicated- eventually I reached the B&B Palacio Romario.I couldn’t make head nor tails of the phone numbers and so I sat down on the edge of the old washing baths opposite the entrance. Fortunately again, after a few minutes, the owner just happened to pop his head out and on spying me , he beckoned me in and in no time at all I was in our room. After a long drink,a banana and a couple of painkillers I feel OK…Thanks Mike for the Roman road photos.We have a rest day tomorrow and time to explore what is reputedly a very historic and beautiful old city.
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