A pilgrimage to Rome from the south 2.-28. april 2010

Pilegrimsmålet Roma – forbindelser mot nord av Øivind Østang

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 2 years we are striving to revive it, walking from the banks of the river Garigliano to Rome (some 350 km in 21 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 local ancient music composers. Above all we appreciate the company of our fellow pilgrims, etc.

Generally about one third of the participants are religiously motivated.

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).

At the arrival we will receive the "Testimonium", a recognition document from the Vatican (29. april).

Include breakfast & evening meal. Often double room. Terracina and Carpineto Convent (rooms with several beds).

We have a vehicle to transport one piece of luggage per participant from stage to stage and for assistance, (cost 3€⁄day). Insurance legally required in Italy for any group with a guide (2€⁄day). Total 5€.

We are a small "non profit" association (20 members) of friends expert in pilgrimages and resident along the pilgrims' route. We are not tourist operators, and we make up shortcomings by friendship and goodwill.

Our objective is to re–establish (and sometimes reinvent) a path to go on foot from the south of Latium 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 and participation from participants is welcome. Emphasis is given to cultural⁄spiritual aspects.

English spoken and elementary German.

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.

Castelforte can be reached by train from Rome (Termini station) plus a bus.

The walk is physically not very demanding, but some previous training is recommended.

Our group will be of no more than 22 people.

Foreign pilgrims of the two past initiatives are prepared to answer your queries.

Norway: Liv and Jørgen Åldstedt participated in 2008–2009. Eiler Prytz and Jens Petter Svånå in 2009.

England: Joe Patterson and Jim Brodie from the Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome participated in 2008–2009.

Alberto Alberti, Largo Pepere 24, 00151 Roma

Tel: +39 349 164 8614

Tel: +39 653 707 65

E–mail: ro_albea@hotmail.com

See Roma e Francigena: Il Cammino Per Roma 2009

FORMIA: Istituto Smaldone, Via Appia Napoli. Tel: 0771771117

FONDI: B&B Mblò', L.go Luigi Fortunato 9. Tel: 0771502385

TERRACINA: Hotel Blu River Pontina. Tel: 0773733049

TERRACINA: Ostello don Orione, pzza Libertà. Tel: 0773700338                        

FOSSANOVA: albergo Antico Borgo. Tel: 0773939110

SEZZE: da Santuccio via Ss. Seb. Rocco 60. Tel: 0773888573                                   

BASSIANO: La Bella Lisa, Via P.Nenni. Tel: 0773355606

SERMONETA: Principe Serrone, Via Serrone 1. Tel: 077330342

SERMONETA: Ostello S. Nicola via Matteotti. Tel: 077330381

CORI: Casa per Ferie S. Maria del Soccorso. Tel: 069679705

VELLETRI: B&B Il Privilegio, V.le Roma 42. Tel: 069632624

CASTEL GANDOLFO: Ist. S. Giuseppe–Appia N. Tel: 069320339

MAENZA: Ostello S. Tommaso. Tel: 0773953041

CARPINETO: Fraternità S. Agostino. Tel: 3496797905

SEGNI: Frati Cappuccini. Tel: 069768020