DAY 79 - LA STORTA to ROME - 8 July 2026

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Today we were very excited because we would finally arrive in Rome and end our Via  Francigena - but not quite our walking adventure...

We were in the breakfast room at 7:05, thinking we would see any pilgrims staying at our hotel.  From our window, we did spot two leaving at 6:40 - twenty minutes before breakfast started - and there was a long empty table in the breakfast room where we guessed a pilgrim group had  finished and raced off. In fact, by 7:20 we were the only ones left, no other guests at all...

We were soon braving the traffic on the Via Cassia, but there were footpaths for all but a short stretch. We entered La Insugherata Nature Reserve, enjoying the artworks as well as the butterflies fluttering about.

After that we threaded our way through the suburbs until we came to Monte Mario Park. This gave us views over the city and eventually we were able to spot St Peter's Basilica. We walked downhill and had a pasta lunch before heading there.

With our Via Francigena credentials, we were able to skip the queue and receive our testimoniums. Leaving our backpacks in the cloakroom,  we toured the basilica, viewing Michelangelo's Pieta, St Peter's rubbed right toe and many other notable things.

From there it was an enjoyable walk along the Tiber, past the Castel Sant'Angelo and a book area to our apartment where we had a quiet night in.

Getting ready to leave La Storta this morning
The Via Francigena followed the picturesque Via Cassia for the first 5 or so kilometres
The picturesque Via Cassia this morning
We eventuality waved goodbye to the Via Cassia
Heading for the entry to the Insugherata Nature Reserve
The Insugherata Nature Reserve
Wandering through the suburbs of Rome, we came across a 24-hour book vending machine
Monte Mario Park
Views of Rome and the Vatican from Monte Mario Park 
Down from Monte Mario Park
We stopped for lunch on the way into town
The final stretch of the Via Francigena towards St Peter's Basilica 
On the way in to St Peter's 
We picked up our Via Francigena testimoniums before visiting the basilica
Inside St Peter's
Some of the animals depicted in St Peter's 
Outside the basilica - a refugee sculpture,  some Swiss Guards, and part of the famous colonnade 
On from St Peter's, our route took us by the Tiber for a while
We came across a book bar and some Parisian-style bouquinistes selling a mix of books and souvenirs
On the way to our accommodation, we stumbled upon this square full of stalls selling souvenirs, books, and other collectible items
Bits and pieces
Birds
Dragonfly and butterflies
Day 79 - Map

Day:                               79
Distance:                      27.95 km
Walking time:               5 hrs 47 mins
Elevation gain:             278 metres
Cumulative distance:  1634.72 km

Comments

  1. Anonymous9 July 2026 at 02:29

    Massive congratulations. Epic achievement!! Especially in the heat. Enjoy heading towards the coast and the completion of your incredible journey. R and R

    ReplyDelete
  2. Barkers9 July 2026 at 05:47

    Thank you! The heat hasn't been too bad lately but is forecast to increase tomorrow - so we're heading on today!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jane9 July 2026 at 11:04

    Love the book stalls but can we get a book vending machine…please 🙏
    You have both done an amazing trip, everyone here is in awe 🌟

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barkers10 July 2026 at 06:10

      The book vending machine was certainly novel (pun intended)!

      Delete
  4. VLN9 July 2026 at 23:46

    Congratulations on arriving in Roma!

    ReplyDelete

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