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Campagnano di Roma to La Giustiniana,Monday,23 rd June

24/06/2025 14:55

To avoid a long, knee – testing descent, we took a short bus ride to Formello – the guide book informed us that it would be the last place of any real interest until,we reached Rome.

Looking across to the Porto in Formello where we picked up,the Via Francigena route.

Attached to two houses on a tiny piazza .

Pathway out and down from Formello.

Arriverderci Formello – a pretty, tranquil commune.

Beehives – always reassuring to see these.

A Prickly Pear Bush in flower – a rare sight.

We walked in to the Veio National Nature Reserve/ Park.

A green lung with wildlife and archaeological beauty

With nearly 15,000 hectares, the Veio Regional Natural Park extends north of Rome between the Via Flaminia and Via Cassia and includes the so-called Agro Veientano. It is the fourth largest park in Lazio and covers an area of natural, historical and cultural interest. It includes the municipalities of Campagnano di Roma, Castelnuovo di Porto, Formello, Magliano Romano, Mazzano Romano, Morlupo, Riano, Sacrofano and the 15th Municipality of the Province of Rome. The network of trails is signposted by the CAI and covers 99 kilometres, including the Via Francigena.

A lot of our pathway was along this track.

It was like being on a rolling switchback.

This is the most impressive sight in then Veio, by an ancient mill.

We crossed the bridge to make our way eventually to a an unexpected and welcome cafe

It also had a little swimming pool attached – very inviting but we had no kit!

The last section of the walk was through La Storta – a forgettable car dominated suburb – walking along the busy Via Cassia – after a couple of uncomfortable KM, to our hotel for the night. it was up a quiet road, passing the Tunisian Embassy- no photos allowed ; two well armed soldiers on guard.

You had to ring through two electronic gates for access. A very helpful receptionist- excellent English – difficult to work,out why it was called a “ resort “ – pleasant place , but no bar only a machine with no beer! And no pool. No evening meals. Being a Monday meant walking back down to the Via Cassia to bar 421, which was situated between the aforesaid main road and the commuter railway line into Rome – amicable staff and good draught beer,plus Prosecco for you know who!

We then traipsed along to a Trattoria where we had a decent meal and two brave pilgrims tried Trippa all a Romana,.