The Chamber of Commerce of Viterbo organised #CamminainTuscia from 3rd to 10th October 2018: the third edition of the route along the Via Francigena: 120km on foot in Tuscia.

The initiative involved the direct involvement of the municipalities present along the ancient pilgrim route: Proceno, Acquapendente, San Lorenzo Nuovo, Bolsena, Montefiascone, Viterbo, Vetralla, Capranica, Sutri and Monterosi. Rome was the final leg of the route, leading to the papal audience on Wednesday. The initiative was supported by the European Association of Via Francigena Ways, Fitrec-Ante and CAI Viterbo.

On Friday, 5th October the pilgrim convoy of the Via Francigena arrived in Montefiascone. After the photo at 100km, they were given a guided tour of the important basilica of S.Flaviano, where they listened to the stories of Archbishop Sigeric and the legend of Defuk. The group moved to the Rocca dei Papi, from there they could admire the beauty of the panorama that embraces the lake of Bolsena. Francesco Monzillo, secretary general of the Chamber of Commerce of Viterbo, and his colleague, Annamaria Olivieri,led them to the Provincial Enoteca. Here the tasting of local food and wine products took place under the careful supervision of the Letizia “innkeeper”. Particularly appreciated were the cheeses, cured meats and wines, white and red: typical local products.

At the end of the refreshment break, Elisabetta Ferrari, representative of the municipality of Montefiascone in the European Association of Via Francigena Ways, brought greetings on behalf of the municipality and briefly entertained the guests, talking about the historical significance of the Via Francigena, the fundamental importance of the Montefiascone section as a crossroad of the paths leading to Rome, of the ever increasing number of people who set off on their journey, choosing this slow way of travel for different reasons, not only religious, but also linked to well-being, the desire to be together and to meet new people and landscapes, tasting typical dishes and making friends.

The participants congratulated the organisation and reception received in all the sections and, in particular, in Montefiascone. Some of them, coming from Rome and from Avellino, declared: “We did not know the beautiful town of Montefiascone, we will definitely return together with relatives and friends”.

Elisabetta Ferrari